Football icon Lionel Messi has weighed in on one of the most debated topics in English football—who is the greatest English player of all time? And according to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, the honor belongs to Steven Gerrard.
While many might have expected Wayne Rooney or David Beckham to top Messi’s list—especially considering he faced them multiple times on the pitch—the Argentine maestro declared Gerrard as the finest player England has ever produced.
“Gerrard Is England’s Greatest Ever” — Messi
In 2016, shortly after Gerrard announced his retirement from professional football following his stint at LA Galaxy, Messi paid tribute to the Liverpool legend with high praise.
“Personally, I think Steven Gerrard is England’s greatest-ever player. I wish him a happy retirement,” Messi stated, leaving no room for doubt about where he stood in the GOAT conversation among English footballers.
Gerrard, 44, spent the majority of his career at Liverpool, where he became a club legend thanks to his leadership, consistency, and memorable Champions League-winning performance in 2005. Despite never lifting a Premier League title, his legacy remains untouchable in the eyes of many—including Messi.
Messi on Rooney: “Once-in-a-Generation Talent”
Interestingly, just a year before naming Gerrard the greatest, Messi had showered praise on Wayne Rooney, hailing him as a unique force on the pitch:
“Wayne Rooney is, for me, a once-in-a-generation player,” Messi told The Mirror in 2015. “One of those special players who is not comparable to any other.”
Messi applauded Rooney’s technical quality, strength, and relentless work rate, calling him one of the most formidable players he had ever faced.
Gerrard Settles the GOAT Debate: Picks Messi
The admiration is mutual. In 2023, Gerrard returned the compliment during a chat with Gary Neville on The Overlap, where he settled the age-old Messi vs Ronaldo debate in favor of the Argentine.
“Messi, for me, is more of a team player,” Gerrard said. “He’s operating on a different planet.”
Final Whistle
Messi’s views carry weight—not just because of his legendary status, but because he’s shared the pitch with most of football’s elite across generations. And when a player of his caliber calls Steven Gerrard the greatest English player ever, it’s not just admiration—it’s football royalty recognizing football royalty.
