Former Real Madrid coach Jorge Valdano praises Messi

Former Real Madrid player and coach Jorge Valdano has taken his time to praise his compatriot and FC Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, calling the player a ‘genius'.

Jorge Valdano spoke in an interview with GOAL where he discussed a lot of issues concerning the Copa America, Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil, Argentina and Lionel Messi and the 60-year old was clear when stating his opinions on these issues.

Lionel Messi scored a hattrick in 19 minutes for Argentina against Panama in their second group game of the Copa America tournament to fire Los Albiceleste into the quarter final and Valdano was asked if winning the Copa America would make Lionel Messi “more Messi” as Argentina fans are expecting at least an official senior trophy from the best player in the world. Valdano was clear with his reply.

“Messi doesn't need anything else to be Messi. Winning the Copa America would strengthen his emotional ties with Argentina, but a Copa would add nothing to his status as a genius.”

Valdano was also asked if he would love to see Messi lift the Copa America to silence his critics or would rather settle for him missing it to prolong the debate on his success as a player, but he would rather keep utilizing his time enjoying Messi's genius.

“What I want is to enjoy him (Lionel Messi). A debate on Messi is empty to me. It is tiring to me having a debate on something that is obvious,”  Valdano enthused.

Valdano also stated that winning the Copa America would be a great thing for Argentina as a whole, saying it would give them “Pride, prestige for our football and Joy.” He also stated that seeing another Messi after the star retires is “improbable” when asked about what he feels will be the state of the Argentina football team after the star retires.

“Messi is the product of a very rich footballing culture that has already given us Di Stefano and Maradona to name just two of the most recognised talents. I hope we're able to maintain the strength of that culture. But seeing another Messi is improbable.”

Jorge Valdano is a former player for Real Madrid and Argentina, he played three seasons at Real Madrid playing 85 games and scoring 40 times. He also had 23 caps with the Argentina national team where he managed to score seven goals and won the World Cup in 1986.

Valdano returned as coach of Real Madrid in 1994 where he won the Liga title but left after the next season. Despite his strong relationship with Real Madrid, Valdano isn't shy of praising Lionel Messi despite the rivalry as he is also his countryman.

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