Del Bosque who led Spain to the 2010 World Cup also revealed Messi picked Argentina over Spain, arguing he’s the greatest player of all time (GOAT)
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Spain and Real Madrid coach, Vicente del Bosque, has revealed he once asked Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, to play for Spain before he opted to don the jersey of his country of birth.
He said, “I tried everything to get Messi to play for Spain. However, Lionel refused because of the love he has for his country.”
Del Bosque, who led Spain to their only FIFA World Cup trophy back in 2010, also said Messi is the greatest player of all time (GOAT).
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The Spaniard went on to claim he prefers the Paris Saint-Germain forward ahead of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo in the debate for who is the greatest player among the duo.
Del Bosque told Radio Marca, “the best player I have ever seen is Messi. Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, I will take Messi.
“Of all the players I’ve known in so many years in football, for me, Messi, for his consistency and his quality as a player, has been impressive.
“He has had some fantastic seasons and has always led his team forward.”
Messi and Ronaldo have won all the laurels at the club level and also won Ballon D’or a combined 13 times. They have also won the highest continental football prices with their respective countries.
However, only Messi has so far achieved the feat of lifting the World Cup, after leading Argentina to win the 2022 edition of the World Cup held in Qatar.
The South American nation consequently won the global trophy 36 years after they last achieved the noble feat and for the third time in their history
