Barcelona and Atletico Madrid figured in many physical battles on the pitch several times throughout their history.
The latter's coach Diego Simeone is known for his aggressive style and giving his players the permission to become more physical, especially when facing top-tier clubs. While his team's matches against Barcelona always see multiple yellow cards and unsportsmanlike conduct, Diego Simeone still recognizes greatness. When asked who is the best player in the world, he answered without hesitation "Lionel Messi."
"Messi is the No.1; no player today can even come close," Simeone said in an interview with Tyc.
"Lionel can hopefully lead to Argentina to win the Copa America and then the World Cup."
Over the years, Lionel Messi is compared to a lot of football greats, as well as to those who are still active in the sports. The most notable of which is Cristiano Ronaldo of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid rival Real Madrid. Messi is also constantly compared to his fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona. For Diego Simeone, comparing Lionel Messi and Maradona is unnecessary because of many reasons.
"Comparisons always serve only the controversy, to set one of them aside is not fair," said Simeone who also hails from Agentina. "Maradona and Messi played in different times and in different positions. Messi is much more a striker, Diego was all over the entire pitch. They are two extraordinary players. Messi has won four Champions Leagues... you cannot compare these two great players."
"Messi has played in four Champions League finals and won them all. If I'm not mistaken, I don't think anyone else has. You can't compare these great players. Hopefully Lionel can lead Argentina to Copa America and then the World Cup. A player like Lionel will adapt to any situation to win because he wants to win."
Right now, Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team are already through to the knockout stage of Copa America. The team hasn't won the championship trophy since 1993.
