Lionel Messi has backed Tottenham star Cristian Romero as the “best defender in the world right now”.
The 25-year-old started as Argentina beat Ecuador in a CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Messi scoring a brilliant free-kick to secure a slender victory.
Romero was a key presence in the Argentine lineup during their victorious campaign in Qatar and has impressed during the early days of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham.
Paired alongside summer signing Micky van de Ven, the duo look like striking up a partnership for years to come. While Romero was a fixture in the first-team under Antonio Conte, Postecoglou’s arrival has seemingly taken his game up another level.
Messi, who has taken his stunning Inter Miami form back onto the international stage, believes the Spurs star is now the best in his position across world football.
“For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match,” he told Telemundo.
