Not Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona Legend Brands Lionel Messi As ‘God Of Football’

Samuel Eto’o, who played for FC Barcelona for five seasons between 2004 and 2009, has branded Lionel Messi as the "God of Football”.

Messi, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, has ruled soccer for over a decade and there have been several debates to determine who is the best player in the world among the two.

When Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004, the team already comprised of well-established stars such as Eto’o, Xavi Hernandez, Ronaldinho, and Andres Iniesta to name a few.

Eto’o, in an interview, has revealed that he has asked Xavi to return to Barcelona and he must do so while the "God of Football" is still there. One of Barca greats, Xavi, has turned into a soccer manager and is tipped to take charge of the Catalans in the future. In fact, when Barcelona sacked Ernesto Valverde earlier this season, a few reports had stated that Xavi would be his replacement but unfortunately, the former midfielder chose to finish his current contract with Al Sadd in Qatar.

“I’ve told Xavi that whatever happens, he has to go back to Barca – and I told him that he has to do it while the God of Football is still there. He played with him, and that will make it easier for him than for another,” Eto’o told Cataluyna Radio.

The Cameroonian striker has also praised Luis Suarez for his contribution to the Catalans, while he insisted that Suarez cannot be easily replaced even if the Spanish side managed to land Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez at Nou Camp this summer.

“I love Suarez. He’s making an incredible story with Barcelona,” replied Eto’o on being asked if he or the Uruguayan is the club’s greatest No.9.

“We’re both lucky to have played for such a club. Luis is always Luis, he is one of the best players in the world in his position. It is obvious that Barca have to reinforce themselves, but it is not necessary to take away the stripes of a general. Luis is a general, he is a captain, and he cannot be demoted."

"Lautaro is doing very well, but people have a tendency to forget recent history. Luis has written the history of Barca and of football. We must admit it. That does not mean that new players should be excluded, but you can’t forget the greats,” Eto’o, who began his club career with Barca’s rivals Real Madrid, further explained.