Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made a big confession about Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Earlier this month, Messi became the first captain since Diego Maradona in 1986 to lead Argentina to a World Cup title.
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The PSG forward has since been hailed by many as the greatest player of his generation, while others have argued that he is, in fact, the best of all time.
Reds manager Klopp is seemingly one of them, having recently insisted that Messi is the best player he has seen in his lifetime.
"Argentina deserved it [to win the World Cup], and when you saw the team and the country celebrating, then it probably hit the right country in difficult times. I am really happy for them, they waited for a long time," Klopp said, according to GiveMeSport.
"The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level.
"We shouldn't close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him."
Although many have suggested that Messi's World Cup triumph cements his place as the best player ever, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo recently rejected the notion that winning the 2022 tournament would make him or the former FC Barcelona No. 10 the greatest of all time.
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"Even if I win the World Cup, that [the debate] will continue," he said ahead of Portugal's shock exit from Qatar 2022 at the quarter-final stage.
"Some people like me more, some less. It's like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.
"I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament. I'm ambitious but if you tell me I won't win any more tournaments, I would still be happy given all I have won.
"In the history books, all other records will be there. But, obviously, a World Cup on the shelf wouldn't be bad. It would be a dream."
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