PARIS Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti says Lionel Messi is the toughest player he has faced and the most captivating to watch, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden Hazard.
The Ligue 1 champions have faced Barcelona three times in this season’s Champions League alone, with Messi helping the Catalans to a 3-1 win at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Though he missed that match through suspension, Verratti is in no doubt that the Argentine is the best opponent he has ever faced, ahead of Real Madrid sensation Ronaldo and Chelsea favourite Hazard, formerly of Lille.
“Yes, the toughest and the most beautiful to watch,” he told L’Equipe when asked if Messi was his sternest adversary.
“I have played against greats, like Ronaldo and Hazard. But I love watching Messi’s touch of the ball, his style.”
Verratti has regularly been earmarked as Italy’s long-term successor to Juventus stalwart Andrea Pirlo and the 22-year-old says he would love to emulate the playmaker’s career.
“Our style of play is still a bit different,” he said when asked if he agreed with the comparisons.
“Pirlo has won everything: the World Cup, the Champions League… it’s a great honour to be compared to him. I hope to have his career.”