Despite his unbelievable achievements over the years, Lionel Messi is known for keeping a low profile. That is why he isn’t the type of player you’ll likely see getting involved in controversies or beefs with other players.
However, there have been several cases over the last few years where other great footballers have had some unpleasant things to say about the Argentine. Whether it’s based on Messi’s comments, level of performance or simply their general opinions, these big names didn’t hesitate to slam the six-time Ballon d’Or winner publicly.
On that note, here’s a look at five such footballers, active or otherwise:
#5 Hugo Gatti
Lionel Messi is arguably the most consistent footballer in the world over the last fifteen years. So rarely will you see anybody criticize Messi based on his performances. But it appears Hugo Hatti saw something no one did, as he came all out to slam the playmaker in March 2020.
The former Argentina goalkeeper claimed that Messi was in decline and made other scathing remarks about him during an interview with El Chiringuito. He said:
#4 Luka Modric
Luka Modric was left disappointed, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t show up at the Ballon d’Or gala in 2018. The Real Madrid midfielder didn’t hesitate in slamming the duo after winning the accolade.
#3 Dani Alves
Lionel Messi made some controversial remarks following Argentina’s 2-0 loss to Brazil in the semi-final of the 2019 Copa America tournament. The playmaker accused CONMEBOL of corrupting the competition to allow Brazil to emerge as champions on home soil.
Those comments didn’t sit well with Messi’s close friend and ex-teammate Dani Alves. The defender hit back at the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, saying:
#2 Diego Maradona
It wasn’t strange to see Diego Maradona publicly criticising Lionel Messi, with several such instances recorded over the years. In one instance, the former Napoli attacking midfielder slammed Messi’s leadership credentials. He said:
#1 Pele
Brazilian great Pele could have insecurity issues, as many continue to consider Lionel Messi a greater player than him. The Selecao legend couldn’t hold it anymore, as he criticised the Argentine in an interview with Brazilian daily newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo. in 2018.
Pele described Messi as a one-skilled player, adding that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is nowhere near the level Pele demonstrated during his playing days. Pele said:
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