Lionel Messi told he wouldn't get into Liverpool, Man City or Tottenham teams
Lionel Messi would struggle to find a spot in the starting XI of three top Premier League teams in Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
That is the verdict of former England international Danny Mills, who believes the Argentine icon has endured a sharp decline over the last season. Despite that statement, Mills still insists Messi is the greatest footballer he has ever watched, ahead of wantaway Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi endured a difficult first campaign at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring six Ligue 1 goals in 25 matches. He did, however, lift the top-flight title to add another trophy to his jam-packed mantlepiece. The French giants failed in their attempts to win the Coupe de France and Champions League, though, exiting at the last-16 stages of both competitions.
When speaking about whether Messi would get into a top Premier League team, Mills said, via Liverpool Echo : "I think he is the greatest footballer I have ever seen. I didn't see [Johan] Cruyff live, I didn't see [Diego] Maradona. Messi is the greatest footballer I have ever seen.
"I know Ronaldo's numbers may be slightly better and he's more of a big-game player and all of the rest of it, but, in terms of a pure footballer, Messi is the greatest. But, would you take Messi now in your team? Probably not.
Video: Gabriel Jesus spotted at Emirates Stadium (Mirror)
Premier League transfer update
Mohamed Salah commits to Liverpool with new three-year deal
Christian Eriksen knew he may play football again two days after cardiac arrest
Key Premier League Fixtures 2022/23
Gabriel Jesus' first Arsenal interview
Conor McGregor posts intense training regime video
Man Utd's pre-season schedule in full as Red Devils head for