Lionel Messi's greatest team-mates according to AI with 'favourite duo' snubbed
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a storied career as he enters the final few years of it.
The Argentine forward made his name at Barcelona, before subsequently moving on to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. In that time, he has claimed countless trophies, as well as a record amount of Ballons d’Or. He has also shone with Argentina - the peak of his international career coming last year with the World Cup success in Qatar. It has not all been down to Messi though.
The 36-year-old can boast an array of talented teammates, stretching all the way back to his first season at Barcelona. We have tasked AI to come up with a list of the best of them:
5) Javier Mascherano
One of Messi's colleagues both on the club and international front, Mascherano’s defensive skills and leadership were crucial for Barcelona during the pair’s time at the Camp Nou. After arriving from Liverpool, he became one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
The now 39-year-old won four La Liga titles, four Copas del Rey, two Champions Leagues and a whole host of other trophies. Mascherano also earned 147 appearances for his country and is now managing the Argentina under-20 side.
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Lionel Messi played with Javier Mascherano at both Barcelona and Argentina (Getty Images)Who do you think is Messi's best teammate of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below
4) Luis Suarez
Widely considered one of the greatest goalscorers of his generation, the Uruguayan striker accounted for one third of the famous Barcelona MSN alongside Messi and Brazilian forward Neymar. Signed for a huge fee from Liverpool, Suarez’s stunning record in front of goal made him worth every penny.
In 283 appearances for the Catalan giants, he scored 198 goals before a move to Atletico Madrid. Rumours of a reunion with Messi refuse to go away with talk suggesting that Suarez could be set for a move to Inter Miami in the near future.
3) Neymar
The final element of the famous MSN, Neymar’s skill and dribbling ability earned him plenty of fans in Catalonia. Alongside Suarez and Messi, he played a role in one of the most exciting attacking trios football has ever seen.
His displays helped Barcelona to the 2015 Champions League before a shock move to PSG. He would be followed to the French capital by Messi, where the pair reignited their excellent understanding on the pitch.
Lionel Messi struck up an excellent understanding with Neymar and Luis Suarez (Getty Images)2) Xavi
Arguably the best product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Xavi was a key figure at the club during Messi’s early years at the Camp Nou. His passing accuracy and football intelligence played a huge role in Barcelona’s success.
After eight La Liga title wins during his playing career, the former Spanish international has added to that total after retiring by winning the title last term as manager. The 2010 World Cup winner is only beaten by one player according to AI…
1) Andres Iniesta
Xavi’s long-term midfield partner, Iniesta is another fantastic player to have been developed in the heart of Barcelona’s academy. His vision, ability on the ball and control of midfield all helped Messi to thrive in Catalonia.
During a 15-year career in the first team, Iniesta made 674 appearances for Barcelona and won a huge list of trophies. He eventually bid farewell to the club in 2018 but has continued to play with Vissel Kobe in the J-League and moved to Emirates in the summer at the age of 39.
Honourable mentions
While determining Messi’s best teammates is subjective and depends on aspects such as playing styles and personal preference, there are still a few notable names missing. Barcelona icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have long played alongside the Argentine icon in Spain and now at Inter Miami. Other contenders also include Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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