Former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star Ander Herrera has exclusively told Soccer Laduma what it was like sharing a dressing room with Lionel Messi in France.
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The Spanish midfielder had already been at Les Parisiens for two seasons when Messi completed a shock free-agent move to the Paris-based giants, but the Argentine's debut for the club would become one of Herrera's most cherished memories during his time in Ligue 1.
Messi came on from the bench for his first appearance for PSG in the 66th minute of a league game against Stade Reims following his surprise arrival, accompanied by the ex-United midfielder, who was substituted on for Georginio Wijnaldum at exactly the same moment.
Speaking to Soccer Laduma in recent interview, Herrera said: "That moment will be some of those pictures we keep forever, no? When Messi made his debut with PSG, we were subbed in at the same time. Amazing player. I cannot say anything else. For me, he is the best player in the history of football.
Read our full interview with Ander Herrera in last week's Soccer Laduma!
"I've never seen something like this. He is so special. He is so shy, but at the same time he is a leader because of what he does and the way he behaves. I also had a very good relationship with him outside of the pitch. I have so much respect and how do you say… admiration for him."
The 34-year-old, now playing for Athletic Club in Spain, continued by saying many of Messi's critics were forced to keep quiet following Argentina's FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
"For me, the best. I was so happy when he became world champion with Argentina because he deserved that. And there is no debate anymore, in my opinion. If, at the time, there were still some people who thought he was not good enough or the best player in the history of football, after that moment, they have to shut up… haha!" he added.
"I am so happy for him. He is an amazing person and also his family. So humble, he was always ready to stop with fans. Even in the dressing room, he never had bad words. For me, he is the best player in the history of football and I'm so proud to have been able to play alongside him."
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Herrera and Messi played together for a single season in Paris before the former returned to Athletic on loan in 2022, a move that later became permanent.
