Lionel Messi has claimed that Cristian Romero is the best defender in the world.
Speaking to Telemundo on Thursday, the Argentine heaped praise on his international teammate and admitted he was one of the very best.
The pair were regular features for Argentina as they lifted the World Cup in Qatar last year and are now looking to do the same again, starting with their World Cup qualifiers.
The South American side hosted Ecuador in Buenos Aires in their first qualifier this week and came out 1-0 winners, with Messi claiming the only goal of the game.
While it was the Inter Miami star that earned the victory after a dominating display from Argentina, it was Romero that was on the end of the applause.
The defender made seven tackles, won eleven duels and completed 66 of his 68 attempted passes as he helped Argentina claim all three points.
Is Cristian Romero the best defender in the world?
Speaking to Telemundo after the match, Messi said: “For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”
Romero received further praise from manager Lionel Scaloni, who added: “I have no words for the match Cuti Romero had. During the home games, people motivate him and he thinks he’s He-Man, he can run 70 meters.
“He is an impressive center-back, he played an incredible game.”
Romero has impressed at Tottenham since initially joining on loan from Atalanta in 2021. The 25-year-old has since gone from strength to strength and has really thrived in their backline after being named vice-captain this summer.
Romero and Messi will face Bolivia in their second World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, before the centre-back returns to North London to host Sheffield United next weekend.
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