“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius.”- Diego Maradona
“I like Messi a lot, he’s a great player. Technically, we’re practically at the same level.”- Pele
“He is always going forwards. He never passes the ball backwards or sideways. He has only one idea, to run towards the goal. So as a football fan, just enjoy the show.”-Zinedine Zidane
"This guy's football throws any rivalry to the corner. I saw a lot of Brazilians - and people from all over the world - rooting for Messi in this electrifying final.”-Ronaldo on Twitter.
“A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, captained an era. Congratulations Messi!", Ronaldo wrote on Twitter.
Pep Guardiola hit the nail on the head when he said: “Don’t write about him, don’t try to describe him. Just watch him.”
“It is clear that Messi is on a level above all others. Those who do not see that are blind.”-Xavi
“Messi is the god of football. When Messi has the ball, one on one, you’re dead.”- Jose Mourinho
“This Barca will be remembered as Messi’s Barca. He’s well above anything else I’ve ever seen. He’s an alien.”- Carles Puyol
“I think about the great players with whom I have shared a pitch: Eric Cantona, Zinedine Zidane, Pirlo, Xavi, Ronaldo and the greatest of them all is Messi.”- Paul Schole
“Messi is the best in the world without any doubt and for me the history of football.”- Luis Enrique
“Messi is God, as a person and even more as a player. I knew him when he was a boy and I’ve watched him grow. He deserves it all.”- Samuel Eto’o
“I have coached a few really good players. My dad liked Pele, but Messi is the best ever.”- Jurgen Klopp
“I had to touch Messi to make sure he was human like us.”- Gianluigi Buffon (on meeting Messi in 2013)
“I have never seen anything like Leo Messi. He is a miracle from God!”- Arda Turan
CHAMPIONS! I don't even know how to start.. pride greater that we feel for you @leomessi thank you for teaching us to never give up, you have to fight to the end.” - Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo