Lionel Messi has named 10 of his close friends throughout his great football career.1. Ronaldinho

It’s no surprise that the Brazilian legend was the first name that Lionel Messi named as his best friend. Ronaldinho assisted Messi’s first goal for Barcelona. The connection between them on and off the field is something he often mentions.

2. Deco

There is a certain degree of logic to El Pulga’s choice of Deco. Deco was a highly influential figure in Barcelona’s dressing room during Messi’s early breakthrough years.

The former Portuguese international, currently the sporting director at Barcelona, entered the peak of his career during his time at the Nou Camp from 2004 to 2008.

3. Samuel Eto’o

One of the greatest goalscorers in Barcelona history. Eto’o and Messi shined in Barcelona’s legendary and historic treble-winning season of 2008/09.

4 . Luis Suarez

Messi really likes Suarez. The two often meet each other off the field and now continue to stand on the same front line. All eyes are on the reunion between the two in Miami in 2024.

5. Andres Iniesta

Talking about Iniesta, Messi once shared: “I always picture him with the ball at his feet. I’m used to seeing him like that. Everything is different with Andres. The hardest thing in football is to make Everything looks easy and that’s Andres.”

6. Xavi Hernandez

Xavi and Messi’s relationship is said to have remained strong all these years after El Pulga left Barca. The couple is said to have been in contact about the possibility of returning to Nou Camp after Messi’s contract expires at PSG.

7. Sergio Busquets

Messi and Busquets reunited once again at Inter Miami. The pair have won no less than 31 silverwares together.

8. Neymar

Messi and Neymar may seem very different characters, but they really bond on the field and generally have a close relationship off of it as well.

“I’m so lucky to play with the best players and enjoy the game with them” – Messi said about the Brazilian star.

The star born in 1992 is the only player that Messi played with at PSG on this list.

9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

This is perhaps the most surprising name because there is information that this couple did not get along during the time they both played in Barcelona. However, off the field, Ibra often praises Messi as a great player.

10. David Villa

Before the MSN era, it seemed like Barcelona’s Messi-Pedro-Villa striker line would be a challenge for every defense. All three of them were on the scoresheet in the 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United, while all three midfielders Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets had assists.

The Spanish legend did not stay in Barcelona for long but he still created memorable moments alongside Messi.