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Lionel Messi is one of the best players to have graced the beautiful game. During an illustrious, nearly two-decade-long career for club and country, he has scored goals and won trophies and laurels galore.
One of the last vestiges of the true one-club man, Messi is now a free agent after his Barcelona contract ran out this summer. But considering his exploits for the club - over 1000 goal contributions and two continental trebles - the Copa America 2021 winner is expected to remain with the Blaugrana.
The soft-spoken Messi, who can weave magic on the field of play, is adored worldwide. That is evident in his tally of over 200 million followers on Instagram, which is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo among football players.
It should come as no surprise that many big-name football players also idolize Lionel Messi. On that note, here's a look at five such players:
#5 Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong was one of the standout players for Ajax in their fairy-tale run from qualifying to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals.
Soon thereafter, the young Dutchman was snapped up by Barcelona, for whom he has played close to 100 games in two seasons and has become a key player in their midfield.
In an interview shortly before his move to Camp Nou, De Jong said that Messi was the reason he chose Barcelona as his next destination, saying:
“Messi is one of the reasons why I moved to Barcelona. Messi has been the best in the world for 15 years. He was the best when I was a 12-year-old.”
In another interview, De Jong added:
" I have admired Messi since my childhood. It's special to be on the pitch with him. Sometimes he does a few things...and then you also enjoy yourself on the pitch."
De Jong has struck a promising partnership with Messi, which he would hope to continue with the Argentine come the 2021-22 season if the latter signs a contract extension with the Blaugrana.
#4 Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies is the classic rags-to-riches story. Born to Ghanian refugee parents in Canada, Davies impressed with his footballing skills and was soon spotted by European giants Bayern Munich.
The youngster was one of the standout performers in the Bavarian giants' treble-winning campaign in 2019-20. In an interview ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Barcelona, Davies recalled how he found time to watch his favorite player Lionel Messi while at school:
"It was amazing, and now being able to play in the Champions League, against one of my favourite players in the world, it's incredible. Honestly, I'm lost for words - a dream come true."
Davies wishes to captain Bayern Munich and emulate his idol Messi and win the Ballon d'Or award, saying:
"To be Bayern captain would be unbelievable, but I have a lot still to learn, I have to play consistently to a top level. I've learned a lot already in terms of being a leader, but there's still more - I'm working on it. I'd also like to be a Ballon d'Or contender."
#3 Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic, who made his name at Borussia Dortmund as a precocious teenager, is another player who idolizes Lionel Messi.
The 22-year-old, one of the most recognizable American footballers in Europe, won the Champions League with Chelsea last season. Pulisic, fondly nicknamed Captain America, said in an interview three years ago that he grew up watching Messi play:
"Nothing against Ronaldo because I've seen it first hand, he's an unbelievable player. It's not an easy one (about who is better), but I would say Messi because growing up he was always my favourite."
Pulisic, who scored 19 times in over 100 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund, will hope for more game time under Thomas Tuchel next season after struggling with injuries in 2020-21.
#2 Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez is one of the best young strikers in the game. He won his first Serie A title with Inter Milan last season, where he struck up a lethal partnership with Romelu Lukaku.
Continuing his good form in Argentina colors, the 23-year-old combined with his captain Lionel Messi to devastating effect as the Albiceleste ended their near three-decade-long trophy drought at Copa America 2021.
In an earlier interview, Martinez acknowledged Messi has helped him improve his game, saying:
“He is the best in the world; playing with him in the national team is a privilege. He is generous; he shows me his movements, he teaches me to find spaces that apparently do not exist."
Martinez was close to joining Messi at Barcelona last summer, but the move did not materialize.
#1 Neymar
Neymar formed a devastating attacking trident with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as Barcelona won their second continental treble in 2014-15.
The Brazilian, touted as one of the best players in the game, has a great relationship with Messi both on and off the pitch. Neymar, who moved to PSG four years ago, has always talked highly about the Argentine, whom he calls his friend and idol.
In a conversation with basketball star Stephen Curry, Neymar talked about how much he has learned by watching Messi play. Calling the Argentine the 'greatest player of all time', Neymar said:
“I played with Messi, who is, for me, one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he is my idol in football. With Messi, I learned every day, whether during our practice, or playing with him, or just watching him play. That made me stronger and it increased my capacity on the field because I kept learning a lot from him."
Recently, Neymar and Messi met in the final of Copa America 2021, where Argentina beat Brazil by a solitary goal to win a record-equalling 15th title in the competition.
