Lionel Messi chose the best center back in the world, from the mouth of the World Champion because of the praise enjoyed more than others.
And in an interview with Telemundo, Messi had no doubts and confirmed Cristian “Cuti” Romero as the best defender today, both at the level of the national team of Argentina and Tottenham.
“I think he is the best defender in the world today. “He played very well and, in my opinion, he was the man of the match (against Ecuador in the qualifiers),” said Messi.
“Having him behind me is the best thing that could happen to me. He always forces me to advance, because he always wants to go one on one against his opponent. “I’m used to not looking back and it’s very good for an attacking player,” added “La Pulga.”
Messi was the hero of Argentina in the victory against Ecuador with a great goal from a free kick, Cuti Romero was chosen as the best player of the match for everything he did.
At Tottenham it was also a stronghold and a key factor in Spurs’ good start to the new Premier League season.
Romero also spoke after the game in Ecuador and sent praise to Messi: “Leo always appears in moments when things become complicated for us or when we cannot open, he has the things that only he has and we’re glad to continue to have him. He seems happy and we’re having a lot of fun. “We’re glad to see him doing so well.”
And about his analysis of Ecuador as an opponent: “They locked themselves in the back, they took advantage of our little mistake, they threw the ball to our forwards and tried to win a free kick, a corner or a stopped ball for them to hurt us. “But “fortunately” there is Messi: “Luckily the greatest player in the world appeared, opened the game and it became easier.” In addition, the defender expressed his feelings about his experience: “The truth is that it is exciting. These are things that last a lifetime.”
Romero added: “You always take advantage of the opportunities given to you by the coach and your teammates from the first day I arrived in the National Team. They have a lot of faith in me and I’m trying to bring it back to the court and I’m very happy to the applause of the people. We will enjoy this victory to start well and tomorrow we will start preparing for a very difficult match. “I never played there (in Bolivia) but I saw and they told me it was difficult very difficult at altitude so we will try to rest to reach 100 and play a good game.”
On Tuesday, Argentina will face Bolivia in La Paz for match two of the Conmebol Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
