Alexander-Arnold names Lionel Messi, Zidane and Usain Bolt as his 3 dream barbecue guests; picks 'head of the table' from them

Trent Alexander-Arnold has put Lionel Messi at the head of the table in a dream barbecue meet-up with the Argentina hero, Zinedine Zidane and Usain Bolt.

The Liverpool right-back was asked which three people he'd invite to a barbecue in his backyard. He named Messi, Zidane and Bolt (via Liverpool's X account):

"I'd say Messi even though he doesn't speak a word of English. Yeah for sure (he'd be head of the table)."

Asked why he wouldn't put himself at the head of the table:

"Not when he's in the room."

Alexander-Arnold added:

"Messi, Zidane and I'll say Usain Bolt, I love Usain Bolt."

Alexander-Arnold's admiration of Lionel Messi has been prominent throughout his career. The England international called the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner the GOAT earlier this year.

For many, Messi, 37, is the greatest player in history and the most decorated (46 trophies) star in sports. It would be quite the occasion to rack the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner's brain while tucking into a burger.

Zidane equally enjoyed a phenomenal playing career but also excelled during two reigns as Real Madrid's manager. The French icon guided Los Blancos to three consecutive UEFA Champions League trophies.

Bolt is the only non-footballer participating in Alexander-Arnold's dream barbecue, but he has ties to the sport. The Jamaican sprinter is a Manchester United fan, so given Liverpool's rivalry with the Red Devils, one could expect a debate or two between the pair.

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"There are few, but not like him" - What Zinedine Zidane told Lionel Messi when they met for a discussion

Zinedine Zidane has great respect for Lionel Messi (Image - Getty)

Lionel Messi and Zidane only played against one another once during their illustrious careers. The latter was in the latter stages of his playing career at Madrid before the Argentina captain's meteoric rise began at Barcelona.

Still, the iconic duo met up last year to discuss several footballing topics. It gave 'Zizou' the chance to tell the Barca legend just how incredible he thought he was. He said (via Adidas' YouTube channel):

"It is just one word: 'magic'. I mean, Leo and I are not together every day. So today is a very important day for me because I can tell him how much I admire him. And I think it is magic , pure magic. Magic in the sense that before receiving the ball, he already knew what needed to be done."

The former Juventus midfielder added:

"And especially for me, as someone who understands football. Watching you [Messi] on the field, I almost knew what you were going to do, you know? It was like a connection. When I see him doing what he does, I say: 'that's it'. So that's what people want to see in football. There are few, but not like him. Very few, well… just only one.”

Messi is in the twilight of his career but continues to roll back the years at Inter Miami. His legendary feats at Barca saw him become the Catalans' all-time top scorer with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games.