Trent Alexander-Arnold has named Lionel Messi as the toughest opponent he has faced in his career and acclaimed his legendary status.
Throughout his eight seasons at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has played against some of the biggest and best names in football.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard are just some of those, as well as Kevin De Bruyne and Robert Lewandowski.
But when asked to select the best player he’s come up against, he was quick to name record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.
Alexander-Arnold has only faced the Argentine icon once – in Liverpool’s famous Champions League semi-final comeback at Anfield, which featured that assist for Divock Origi – but it’s clear he did enough to take top spot for the 25-year-old.
“It has to be Messi for me, the best player I’ve played, for me the best player that’s ever played the game,” he told The Mirror.
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He was then asked if Messi was better than legend Diego Maradona, and replied: “I never watched Maradona so I don’t know… to imagine anyone better than what I’ve been able to see… my brain doesn’t comprehend it, there’s no way anyone can be better.”
“There’s just a different feeling playing against him than I’ve ever felt with anyone else.
“You’re always on red alert when the ball’s near him, I think it’s very rare for a player to have that kind of feeling, to put that feeling into other players. So for that reason I have to say him.
“For me, I think in many, many aspects of the game he’s probably the best at any given moment. He can almost do what he wants on a football pitch, so yeah, for that reason he’s the best.”
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Alexander-Arnold’s decision to name Messi as his toughest opponent may not come as a surprise to many given his immense status.
The 37-year-old won ten LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues amongst other various domestic and European titles at Barcelona.
Messi also won two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain before helping guide current club Inter Miami to their first every trophy win with the Leagues Cup last year.
He has also won the World Cup with Argentina and recently lifted his second Copa America with his country.
Now that Messi plays in MLS, Alexander-Arnold may never face him again unless they meet on the international stage.
The defender soon could be set for pastures new this summer as talkSPORT understands Real Madrid are eyeing a move.
Alexander-Arnold is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield, although it is unclear if Liverpool will entertain their homegrown star and club vice-captain leaving.