"They were the two centre-backs I loved to watch" - Argentina star names Lionel Messi's ex-Barcelona teammates as his favourite defenders

Argentina defender Christian Romero has named Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, Barcelona teammates of legendary forward Lionel Messi, as his favourite defenders growing up. The Tottenham defender said that he grew up watching the Blaugrana.

Puyol and Pique, the La Masia graduates, formed the heart of the legendary Cules team often believed to be one of the greatest of all time. In an interview with DSport Radio (via Albiceleste Talk), the defender talked about his favourite defenders:

"My favourite centre-backs? I grew up watching Leo's Barcelona. When Puyol and Pique played, they were the two centre-backs that I loved to watch all the time. I always looked at them. I grew up watching that historic Barcelona that won everything”

The Argentina international has joined Lionel Messi and Co. ahead of Argentina's Copa America title defence, which starts against Canada on June 20 in Atlanta.

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Barcelona legend Lionel Messi hoping to lead Argentina to glory in his likely final Copa America

Argentina legend Messi heads into this summer's Copa America in what could be his last continental tournament with the Albeceleste. At 36, the Barcelona could be playing his last edition of the tournament and will hope to end it in glory.

La Pulga has a sentimental relationship with the tournament, which he won in 2021 for his first major trophy with the national team. The Inter Miami star has subsequently won two more titles with Argentina.

The Blaugrana legend heads into the tournament in fine form in MLS and will hope to replicate his Herons form for the Albeceleste. Lionel Messi recently broke the record for the fastest player to reach 25 goal involvements in the American league, needing only 12 games.

Argentina will hope to defend their Copa America title and confirm their status as one of the best teams on the planet.