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"The greatest myth I have ever seen" - Bulgarian football legend Hristo Stoichkov names Lionel Messi as his GOAT

"The greatest myth I have ever seen" - Bulgarian football legend Hristo Stoichkov names Lionel Messi as his GOAT

Time of India7 hours ago

Hristo Stoichkov with Liolen Messi (Image via X)
Bulgarian footballer Hristo Stoichkov played for Barcelona at a time when the team felt like it was made of gold. With Johan Cruyff as the coach, he was a part of what is today called the Barcelona 'Dream Team'.
But when asked who he considers to be the GOAT in the world of football, it wasn't his coach he named, who is one of the greatest football legends of all time. Instead, Stoichkov called on
Lionel Messi
and his golden foot, which has fans screaming out his name all around the world.
Hristo Stoichkov names Lionel Messi as the GOAT of football
The GOAT debate is long-standing and never-ending, and whether it's the world of football or any other sport, every fan has one such player who they consider to be the best, better than anyone else who has played the sport. And one such name in the world of football is none other than Argentine superstar
Lionel Messi
.
Having graduated from the Barcelona academy, he played for the Spanish team for 17 years before saying goodbye, breaking countless hearts.
But that does not mean that his fans still don't consider him to be the greatest ever football player to grace planet Earth. And it's not just his fans around the world; even footballing greats like Ballon D'or winner Hristo Stoichkov think no one can beat Lionel Messi when it comes to being the greatest ever. Speaking to Marca, when asked about his preference in players, the Bulgarian legend said:
"Who is the football GOAT? Pele is a myth, Maradona is a myth, Cruyff is a myth, Beckenbauer is also a myth, rest in peace to them.
But today, without a doubt, the greatest myth I have ever seen is Leo Messi."
While he respects the greats that came before him, Stoichkov clearly has a favorite, and fans can't blame him. After all, Messi's left foot is a thing of legend among football fans. Whether one likes it or not, one cannot deny his contribution to the game or his greatness.
Messi
is currently mesmerizing fans with his stint with Inter Miami FC in Major League Soccer, and American football fans are definitely thanking their lucky stars for getting to see this football superstar play in front of them weeks in and out.
Also Read:
Club World Cup: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami held to a goalless draw by Al Ahly in tournament opener

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