Frenkie de Jong admits that Messi was one of the reasons he moved to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has not only been the best player in the world for over a decade, but he has also shown his capabilities to do it in any system, any year, under any coach, and with a series of different teammates. He has paired up with several superstars over the years, combining with them on the pitch to create mesmerising goals and iconic moments.

The likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Dani Alves, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets have all benefitted from the Argentine’s intelligence on the ball, which is almost beyond comparison. However, there is another superstar (in the making), who seems to understand Messi and his movements. Of course, that is Frenkie de Jong. Since taking up a box-to-box role in Ronald Koeman’s system, the Dutchman’s late runs in the ball are magnetic for Messi who is constantly on the look-out for runners.

In an interview with TV3, set to release tomorrow, de Jong sang praises of the six-time Ballon d’or winner, talking about how Messi was the reason he chose to join Barcelona: “Messi is one of the reasons why I moved to Barcelona.”

Naturally, FdJ was asked about Messi leaving and if he had any information about the same, to which de Jong replied, “I hope Messi continues with us next season, but I don’t really have a say in this matter. Leo is the one who decides his future.”

Like most of his teammates, de Jong continued to sing praises about Messi, saying, “Messi has been the best in the world for 15 years. He was the best when I was a 12-year-old.”

The last few days have been havoc for Barcelona, owing to the decision by El Mundo to publicly leak Messi’s contract details. One would expect that it would wreak towards the dressing room to create further problems, but de Jong assured that is not the case: “The dressing room is protected from the stuff that goes on outside. We aren’t affected by it.”