Frenkie de Jong Reflects on Lionel Messi’s Extraordinary Abilities

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong recently shared his thoughts on former teammate Lionel Messi, emphasizing the Argentine’s exceptional talent and impact on the game. De Jong, who had the opportunity to play alongside Messi at Barcelona, offered a unique perspective on the football legend’s abilities.

“I’ve never witnessed such a significant gap between one player and the rest,” de Jong remarked. “No matter what we did during training sessions, Messi always stood out as the best. His decision-making on the field is so advanced that no coach could possibly plan for it in advance.”

Messi’s tenure at Barcelona spanned from 2003 to 2021, during which he achieved remarkable success with the club. His impressive list of accolades includes ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey victories, four Champions League triumphs, and three UEFA Super Cup wins. Since the summer of 2023, the prolific forward has been showcasing his talents with Inter Miami in the United States.

De Jong’s comments serve as a testament to Messi’s enduring influence on the sport and his former teammates, even after his departure from Barcelona. The Dutch midfielder’s admiration for Messi’s skills highlights the lasting impact the Argentine star has had on those who have had the privilege of playing alongside him.