“The best team is Real Madrid” - When Lionel Messi named Barcelona rivals Real Madrid the best team in the world
Former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, earlier this year, named the Catalan side's El Clasico rivals Real Madrid the 'best team' in the world. The Argentine maestro made the claim in an interview with Infobae before La Albiceleste's victorious run in the 2024 Copa America.
Messi has a storied history with Real, delivering multiple clutch moments for the Catalan giants against their archrivals. In his stellar senior career, he has faced off against Los Blancos more times than any other opponents and has an outstanding record against them.
In 47 games against Los Blancos (45 for Barcelona, two for Paris Saint-Germain), Messi bagged 26 goals and 14 assists. He led his side to victory in 20 of those games, drawing 11 and losing 16.
While Messi was with the Catalan giants, they went toe-to-toe against Madrid in all competitions. However, since his departure from Camp Nou, the Merengues have established a stronger chokehold on Spanish and European football.
Since 2021, Real have added two more LaLiga and Champions League titles to their glittering trophy cabinet, further consolidating their position as Spain and Europe's most successful club.
Messi recognized Madrid's dominance in the pre-Copa America interview, saying (via beINSports):
"The best team, if we have to say, is Real Madrid, because they are the reigning Champions League winners."
Messi added that four-time defending Premier League champions Manchester City, under the tutelage of his former mentor Pep Guardiola, played the best brand of football. However, he re-affirmed his original stance, claiming:
"If you talk about results, it's Madrid; if you talk about style of play, personally, I like Guardiola's City. I think any team with Guardiola will be special because of his character, his way of coaching, and how he makes his teams play. In terms of style of play, for me, City is the best; for results, Madrid."
With the addition of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid are in pole position to defend their LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles.
The upcoming El Clasico will be Barcelona and Real Madrid's 258th meeting in all competitions
Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to face off in the 258th competitive El Clasico fixture on October 26. The outcome of the newest chapter of the iconic rivalry will have a big impact on the 2024-25 LaLiga title race.
Thus far, Madrid have a slight edge over Barca in the fixture. Los Blancos have won 106 games as opposed to the Blaugrana's 100, with 51 games ending in draws.
Real have scored 436 goals against the Catalans' 419. The most recent game between the sides was a 3-2 win for Real Madrid in an April 2024 LaLiga fixture (all stats via Transfermarkt, subject to change).
After ten rounds of league fixtures this term, Barcelona sit atop the standings with 27 points (nine wins and a loss). Real Madrid sit just three points behind (seven wins, three draws) the Catalans, making the fixture of paramount importance for both sides in the title race.