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Lionel Messi is, without a doubt, one of the most respected footballers on the planet. Having maintained his standing at the top of the game, excelling with club and country for almost two decades, it's easy to see why plaudits and recognition keep coming for him.
Despite his unbelievable achievements over the years, Lionel Messi is known for keeping a low profile. That is why he isn't the type of player you'll likely see getting involved in controversies or beefs with other players.
However, there have been several cases over the last few years where other great footballers have had some unpleasant things to say about the Argentine. Whether it's based on Messi's comments, level of performance or simply their general opinions, these big names didn't hesitate to slam the six-time Ballon d'Or winner publicly.
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On that note, here's a look at five such footballers, active or otherwise:
#5 Hugo Gatti
Lionel Messi is arguably the most consistent footballer in the world over the last fifteen years. So rarely will you see anybody criticize Messi based on his performances. But it appears Hugo Hatti saw something no one did, as he came all out to slam the playmaker in March 2020.
The former Argentina goalkeeper claimed that Messi was in decline and made other scathing remarks about him during an interview with El Chiringuito. He said:
"I don't care if they criticise me in Argentina. I'm very Argentinian, and Messi is a phenomenon, but he's not a phenomenon now. They treat him wrong because they big him up and big him up and treat him wrong."
"He gets used to it. and walks more on the pitch. He has to be better. Messi has to be better; he's got used to playing at a weary rhythm, walking and those that know football think the same. Take off, kid. You have to play well."
#4 Luka Modric
Luka Modric was left disappointed, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo didn't show up at the Ballon d'Or gala in 2018. The Real Madrid midfielder didn't hesitate in slamming the duo after winning the accolade.
"I cannot say why someone did not attend—that's their choice. That is logical, isn't it?," the Croatian was quoted as saying.
"It turns out... trophies only have value when they get them. It is not fair to their playing colleagues, or to the voters who have nominated them for the past ten years - nor for football or supporters."
#3 Dani Alves
Lionel Messi made some controversial remarks following Argentina's 2-0 loss to Brazil in the semi-final of the 2019 Copa America tournament. The playmaker accused CONMEBOL of corrupting the competition to allow Brazil to emerge as champions on home soil.
Those comments didn't sit well with Messi's close friend and ex-teammate Dani Alves. The defender hit back at the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, saying:
"Firstly, he's disrespecting an institution such as the Selecao, in my view. Secondly, he's being disrespectful to several professionals who put a lot of things aside so they could be there fighting for a dream. I'm a friend who always tells the truth when it's due, and I think he was wrong for saying these things."
#2 Diego Maradona
It wasn't strange to see Diego Maradona publicly criticising Lionel Messi, with several such instances recorded over the years. In one instance, the former Napoli attacking midfielder slammed Messi's leadership credentials. He said:
"Messi is a great player, but he doesn't get it. Before speaking to the coach, he'll play PlayStation and then on the field, he asks to be and wants to be the leader.
"It's useless to try and make a leader out of someone that goes to the bathroom 20 times before a game. Messi at Barcelona is one thing. and with Argentina. he is another one."
#1 Pele
Brazilian great Pele could have insecurity issues, as many continue to consider Lionel Messi a greater player than him. The Selecao legend couldn't hold it anymore, as he criticised the Argentine in an interview with Brazilian daily newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo. in 2018.
Pele described Messi as a one-skilled player, adding that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is nowhere near the level Pele demonstrated during his playing days. Pele said:
"How can you make a comparison between a guy who heads the ball well, shoots with the left, shoots with the right and another who only shoots with one leg, only has one skill and doesn't head the ball well?
"How can you compare? To compare with Pele, it has to be someone who shoots well with the left, shoots well with the right, and scores headers. As far as I'm concerned, Maradona was one of the best players ever. If you ask me, 'Was he better than Messi?' Yes, he was. Much better. (Franz) Beckenbauer, (Johan) Cruyff were also excellent players."
