Lionel Messi: “This Argentina team is very close to the best Barcelona side I played in”

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has said that although his national team is not quite as good as Barcelona yet, who according to him are the best team in history, they are very close to reaching the level.

In Argentina’s recent World Cup Qualifier against Peru, Messi showcased a performance that truly matched his exceptional quality.  He netted two exquisite goals, with a third narrowly disallowed due to an offside call. 

His performance was nothing short of genius, and he impressively completed the full 90 minutes on the field, marking his return as a starting player in the national team after being named on the bench against Paraguay.

Argentina close to the best Barcelona team

Speaking after the game, Messi explained how Argentina are getting better each day as they continue to outshine their competitors.

As a result, they are well on their way to the 2026 World Cup with a flawless record, boasting a five-point lead over their closest rivals in just four matches.

“I was wondering just the other day. This team is impressive, it continues to grow, and it plays better and better,” the former Barcelona captain was quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo. 

“Comparing ourselves to the Barcelona I played in, which is the best team in history, is a lot, but I think we are very close because of what we have been demonstrating, for having become champion of America and the World. 

“We have great players. No matter who plays, it is not noticeable because there is a very marked style, which identifies us a lot and we like it. We hope to continue on this path,” he added.

Messi, who currently plies his trade for Inter Miami, also explained how a good atmosphere in the locker room affects the performance of teams.

“If there is a good group and a good atmosphere in the locker room, things are much easier. We have been showing for a long time that this is a great group. 

“There are very young kids who, even though they won everything, want to continue winning things. 

“The message that the coach sent after the World Cup is that we were starting from scratch again and that when you win it is more difficult to achieve things,” he said.