Mansion Sports – Lionel Messi is still regarded as “the best player in the world” and will maintain that status “until he retires,” according to his former Barcelona teammate, David Villa.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years old, yet he has shown no signs of declining performance.

He continues to enhance his reputation as the most accomplished player of all time, while consistently delivering strong performances with Inter Miami in the United States.

Ninth Ballon d’Or: Messi Remains Dominant

Messi enjoyed a highly productive year in 2025 with Inter Miami. He played a crucial role in leading the club, known as The Herons, to a historic MLS Cup title.

In addition to team success, the South American superstar also claimed the Golden Boot and the MVP award, becoming the first player to win the MVP award in consecutive seasons.

High expectations have also emerged that after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, Messi will once again represent his country in an attempt to defend the World Cup title this summer, when FIFA’s flagship tournament is held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Should he deliver another outstanding performance with La Albiceleste and secure further international success, the opportunity to claim a ninth Ballon d’Or would be wide open. In the context of Lionel Messi, every possibility is always considered realistic.

Why Messi Is Still Considered the Best by a Former Teammate

For more than two decades, Messi has illuminated the highest level of world football. Many players consider themselves fortunate to have played against or alongside the Argentine legend.

David Villa experienced that firsthand at Barcelona. The 2010 World Cup winner spent three seasons at Camp Nou, a period that yielded two La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy. During that time, Messi was at the peak of his powers.

With that background, Villa told El Chiringuito when asked whether Messi deserved to be called the greatest player of all time: “Without a doubt. Far above the rest. I still say that until he retires, Messi will continue to be the best player in the world.”

Villa also emphasized that Messi is the best player he has ever faced or played alongside.

Villa Reveals His Idol and Favorite Goal

Villa’s view aligns with that of another former Spain international, Raul, in placing Messi at the very highest level.

The Real Madrid legend recently stated that despite having played alongside great names such as Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, and Luis Figo, he still considers Messi to be the best.

Raul stressed that Messi possesses a unique quality, as he is able to make things that seem impossible appear incredibly easy, as if he were casually playing on the streets with friends.

During his time at Barcelona, Villa also worked with several other exceptional players. He described former Blaugrana captain Carles Puyol as “the most difficult defender to get past.”

He also acknowledged Luis Enrique as “his idol,” noting that the current Paris Saint-Germain coach also began his career at Sporting Gijon before making his mark in Catalunya.

Villa considers the goal he scored in the 2011 Champions League final to be his favorite, when Messi and Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, in terms of a teammate’s contribution, Villa selected the winning goal scored by Andres Iniesta in the 2010 World Cup final with Spain as the most memorable moment.

World Cup 2026: Yamal and Messi in the Battle for Global Supremacy

Villa continues to follow the journeys of Messi, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team. He has witnessed firsthand the rise of Lamine Yamal from the legendary La Masia academy into a new global star for Barcelona, with the 18-year-old breaking numerous historic records.

Messi himself has signed a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him in Major League Soccer until the 2028 season, with the aim of adding more major trophies before eventually hanging up his boots.

He will once again pursue World Cup glory this summer, but Yamal and the Spanish national team are determined to stand in his way.

Spain currently hold European champion status and are widely tipped by many to claim their first World Cup title since the generation of Villa and his teammates triumphed in South Africa.