Gary Lineker has long argued that Lionel Messi stands as the greatest footballer in the history of the sport, a view he expanded upon as he reflected on how Argentina captured World Cup glory and what that triumph means in a modern era of the game.
As the new season approaches, Lineker shared his thoughts on who he believes is the best player he has ever witnessed, considered how Messi would be valued in today’s transfer market, and explained how Messi’s ongoing relationship with Barcelona has shaped his own perspective on football’s evolving landscape.
Lineker described the 2022 World Cup final as an extraordinary, almost chaotic contest, with extra time stretching both sides to their limits before Messi and Argentina ultimately secured the prize. In his view, the performance solidified Messi’s status as the living embodiment of greatness in the sport, a distinction Lineker has reserved for the player who has consistently combined extraordinary skill with a unique ability to influence big moments.
According to Lineker, Messi represents a level of artistry and efficiency that has delighted fans for more than a decade. He noted that Messi’s presence on the field elevates the standard of everyone around him, turning ordinary moments into unforgettable showcases. For Lineker, Messi’s influence is apparent even on quiet days when the ball seems to find his feet in ways that few others can replicate, underscoring the substance behind the legend.
Lineker added that Messi’s achievements have effectively settled many debates in football circles, presenting a case built on consistent excellence over a long period. The admiration extends beyond trophies, touching the way Messi reads the game, executes under pressure, and remains a source of inspiration to players and fans alike.
Historically, Lineker is notable as the only English player to have worn Barcelona’s shirt since the Second World War, a fact tied to his own storied career with the club. He appeared in 102 matches for Barcelona, scoring 42 goals, and one high-energy moment that remains a highlight in the memory of many fans: a rapid double at the start of a Clasico, followed by a match that seemed to pulse with the roar of the Camp Nou crowd. Lineker recalls the scene vividly—the first five minutes of those El Clásico clashes, the stadium’s chorus, and the thrill of scoring in front of such a partisan audience. The memories of that day reflect not just personal achievement but a historic connection between player, club, and fans that transcends generations.
Looking back on his career both abroad and in England, Lineker joked that if he were to play in his prime today, the market value placed on his transfer would rank among the highest in football history. He explained that, when accounting for inflation and the broader shifts in the sport, a contemporary valuation would place him among the sport’s most expensive players, a hypothetical that underscores the enduring prestige attached to past stars who left a lasting imprint on the game.
Fans are invited to follow the broader conversation about Messi, Lineker, and the evolving economics of football, including how player value tracks with performance, market dynamics, and the ever-shifting landscape of top clubs around Europe and beyond. Stories about Messi’s impact on Barcelona and his influence on global football continue to resonate with supporters, analysts, and aspiring players who study what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
For those who want the full narrative and a deeper dive into the moments that defined Messi’s career, there are extensive retrospectives, expert analyses, and contemporary commentaries available across a range of platforms that chronicle the arc of his influence from the outset of his breakout years to the present day.
Note: The reflections above capture the enduring admiration for Messi’s talent and Lineker’s views on how the sport has evolved around such extraordinary players, illustrating why Messi’s name remains synonymous with football greatness in discussions about the sport’s history and its future.