The Barca superstar scored an impressive opening goal in his side’s 3-1 Spanish Cup Final victory over Atheltic Bilbao on Saturday, dribbling past a host of defenders on the right touchline before slotting home at the goalkeeper’s near-post.
Yet Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, who will come up against the talented forward in Saturday’s Uefa Champions League Final, feels there is no chance Messi would have scored such a goal if he played his football in Italy.
"It was certainly a great goal," the Italian centre-back told reporters on Monday. "I don’t think Messi would be able to score a goal like that in Italy, where the defending is much better than in Spain.
"There’s better football in La Liga but worse defending.”
However, Blaugrana boss Enrique feels his talisman could repeat the feat anywhere and in any league, describing the four-time Ballon d’Or winner as the best player in the world.
"I think he can do it in any circumstances, in any league in the world,” the Barca coach said.
"Messi is the best player in world, in history probably. Messi, since he [came to Barca] has adapted to a way of playing that benefits him.
"His team-mates are of the highest quality and he has been playing from early on with players who enjoy the game.
"They are not so physical but they play the ball, this is the idea we have here and I'm sure it has contributed to his success.
"He is the best in world but his environment is extremely beneficial for him."
Barcelona and Juventus square off in Saturday’s Final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45.
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