Lionel Messi names Premier League's greatest midfielder of all time

Messi gives verdict on greatest English midfielder of all time.

Lionel Messi made a daring choice when asked to weigh in on the Premier League midfield GOAT debate, despite the league consisting of many of the greatest midfielders ever.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, has also spoken about the player he finds to be one of the top stars to grace the football pitch. In past, the former Barcelona had high praises for Wayne Rooney, and he revealed he sees him as one of the top attacking players in the league.

His remark about Wayne Rooney in 2015 demonstrates the Argentinean’s constant attention to the Premier League.

“Wayne Rooney is a once-in-a-generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable others. There are many special players, but Rooney has exceptional quality and technical ability as well as being one of the strongest players I’ve faced with an exceptional work rate – there’s nobody like him,” Messi said as per quotes from the Daily Mirror.

“I’ve always said the same is true of myself and Argentina – breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies. Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.”

Despite his big praises for the former Manchester United star, Lionel Messi did not consider Rooney to be the best English player of all time in the league. The Argentine named one player who he thought was one of the greatest English midfielders of all time.

In 2016, Lionel Messi praised Steven Gerrard, calling him England’s greatest player of all time. 🐐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿“Personally, I think Gerrard is England’s greatest-ever player. I wish him a happy retirement.” 🗣️This came after Steven Gerrard had retired following an illustrious career.… pic.twitter.com/rUpMZgohCv

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) April 3, 2025

After the Liverpool star confirmed his retirement in 2016, Messi declared (via SPORTbible) that Steven Gerrard was the best player England had ever had.

“Personally, I think [Steven] Gerrard is England’s greatest-ever player,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Steven Gerrard captained the England national team 38 times, scored 21 goals, and provided 23 assists throughout his 14-year senior career. He also collected 114 international caps.

Gerrard was one of the most versatile midfielders for Liverpool after growing up at the club. He even spent his entire life playing for the Reds.

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