Barcelona legend Pedro Rodriguez reveals why nobody compares to Lionel Messi: ‘Continues to prove it to this day’

Barcelona legend Pedro Rodriguez reveals why nobody compares to Lionel Messi: ‘Continues to prove it to this day’ Former Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez has delivered a glowing assessment of Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine as a one-of-a-kind footballer whose influence remains unmatched. In a detailed interview with SPORT following his retirement announcement , Pedro was asked whether Messi was the best player he had shared a dressing room with.  The former Spain international did not hesitate, giving an emphatic answer before explaining what made his former Barcelona teammate so special. “Without a doubt,” he began saying. Pedro pointed to Messi’s remarkable statistics, but stressed that the forward’s continued performances are just as important as his achievements.  Having played alongside several elite footballers during his career, including Ronaldinho, Neymar and Eden Hazard, he believes Messi possesses a combination of qualities that is almost impossible to replicate. Pedro explains why Messi is unlike any other footballer Asked to explain his choice, Pedro highlighted Messi’s all-round ability and his capacity to decide matches in different ways. “Because he’s a one-of-a-kind footballer. He’s proven it with his statistics, but the fact is that in every match he plays, he continues to prove it to this day. Pedro and Lionel Messi played in 270 matches at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “He’s reaching a World Cup at that age and is still one of the best. And because he’s such a complete player, I don’t think there’s anyone quite like him. “He scores goals, he’s got vision, he’s a dribbler, he’s a game-changer and makes the difference in every match. “With a pass, a goal… You always feel his presence on the pitch and he’s the one calling the shots at all times.” Notably, the pair shared the pitch together in 270 matches during a period when the Catalan club was enjoying arguably the most golden period, with Messi’s goals, creativity and ability to influence games central to the team’s success. Pedro recalls playing with top stars The former Barcelona attacker was asked whether there was any doubt about Messi’s position at the top of his personal list.  His answer remained decisive, although he acknowledged the quality of the teammates he encountered at Barcelona and Chelsea. “There’s no question about it. I don’t think I’ve ever played alongside players like him. I’ve played with some incredible players – Ronaldinho, Neymar, Hazard at Chelsea – all of a very high standard. “In other positions too – and I’m talking about strikers because that’s my position as well – but I could mention Xavi, Busi, Puyol, all those players… Terry, Ramos… Pedro has nothing but praise for Messi. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) “I’ve been lucky enough to experience so many memorable moments in my career.” Pedro hopes to remain connected to Barcelona The interview also touched on Pedro’s future following his retirement.  The former forward expressed a desire to maintain his relationship with Barcelona , the club where he developed into a first-team player and won some of the biggest trophies in football. “I hope I can stay connected to Barça because, at the end of the day… As I was saying, the president said today… “And it’s nice that it’s the one saying it – that people like Pedro are important to the club, because of what they’ve given and what they’ve done. “I hope, in one way or another, that I can remain connected to a club like Barça. Firstly, because it’s the club of your life and in your heart. “And secondly, because what Barça represents on a global scale is incredible. If I can stay connected in any way at all, it would be spectacular,” he concluded.