“That says how big is Leo” – Ex-Manchester United star explains why he admires ‘best in the world’ Lionel Messi

Former Manchester United star Ander Herrera lavished praise on ex-Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) colleague Lionel Messi in a recent interview.

The 34-year-old midfielder believes the Barcelona legend's humble nature caught his eye when the two shared the dressing room for the Parisian outfit. They played together on 14 occasions but failed to manage a joint goal contribution.

Messi spent two seasons in Paris after deciding to leave the Blaugrana in the summer of 2021. He scored 32 goals and assisted 35 times from 75 appearances across all competitions for PSG.

Speaking about his former teammate, Herrera said (via ESPN FC):

"At least in his club, he (Lionel Messi) has already changed everything. In terms of quality, he’s still one of the best in the world. The way he behaves, that says how big is Leo. He’s always treating everyone the same way, the one who looks after the kid, the one who washes the floor. I admire him so much because of how humble he is.”

Currently, Messi represents MLS side Inter Miami. He decided to put an end to his career with the PSG earlier this summer. So far, the 36-year-old attacker has bagged 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions for the Herons.

He helped the Floridian side secure its first-ever trophy in club history, the Leagues Cup, in August. During the tournament, Messi bagged 10 goals and an assist in seven matches.

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Jorge Mas committed to allow Lionel Messi's Barcelona farewell in coming years

Lionel Messi (via Getty Images)

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has expressed his willingness to allow Lionel Messi his much-deserved farewell in front of the Barcelona fans. However, he failed to outline how and when such an event would take place.

Rumors of the 36-year-old attacker's return to Camp Nou persisted after Inter Miami crashed out of the playoffs race earlier in October. Despite links of a potential loan move in January, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano came out and clarified otherwise. He believes Messi will stay put and focus on the Herons as the club prepares for the new MLS season, set to begin next February.

Addressing Messi's Barcelona farewell, Mas said (via Mirror):

"Messi's departure from Barcelona [in 2021] was not to his liking. He could not say goodbye to his club, which welcomed him as a child, and I think the circumstances were not what Lionel wanted. We will do everything possible in the coming years so that he has the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans in Barcelona."

Barcelona Sporting Director Deco also said in a recent interview that the Catalan side wishes for Messi's return to allow him a farewell match. The Argentina captain made a staggering 778 appearances for Barcelona, bagging 672 goals and 303 assists.