LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has praised Lionel Messi’s influence on Argentina’s play following their 2-0 victory over Austria, describing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as the team’s “system.”
Although Messi did not score, Ibrahimović said the Argentina captain controlled the match through his movement and decision-making.
“I’m obsessed with watching Messi. Not because he’s my friend. Not because of nostalgia. Because after all these years, I’m still trying to understand how one player can control a football match without touching the ball every minute,” Zlatan said.
The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward said Austria’s players constantly adjusted their positions whenever Messi moved.
“I watched Argentina today and the first thing I noticed wasn’t the scoreline. It was the way Austria reacted whenever Messi moved. One step to the left, defenders follow. One drop into midfield, the entire shape changes. One glance over his shoulder, panic. That’s not football. That’s psychological warfare,” he said.
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Ibrahimović argued that Messi’s contribution cannot be measured only by goals and assists.
“Messi isn’t just Argentina’s best player. He’s Argentina’s system. He’s their confidence. He’s their belief. He’s the reason every teammate walks onto the pitch thinking the impossible is possible,” he said.
The 44-year-old also dismissed comparisons over the greatest player of all time.
“People ask me about the GOAT debate. What debate? For me, there isn’t one. The debate exists because television needs content and social media needs arguments. When I watch football, I don’t see a debate. I see Messi. Then I see everybody else,” he said.
Reflecting on Messi’s career, Ibrahimović added: “I’ve played against great players. I’ve played with great players. But Messi is the only player I’ve ever watched and genuinely thought: ‘This isn’t normal.'”
Argentina’s victory moved them to the top of Group D, with Messi completing 89 per cent of his passes and creating four chances during the match.
