Lionel Messi Hails Cristian Romero As "Best Defender In The World"

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has claimed that Tottenham center-back Cristian Romero is "the best defender in the world right now".

Messi made the bold statement on Thursday night after Argentina kicked off their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup by beating Ecuador 1-0 in Buenos Aires.

Inter Miami star Messi scored the game's only goal from a brilliant free-kick in the 78th minute but was not the Player of the Match.

That accolade instead went to 25-year-old Romero, who produced a dominant defensive display on his 22nd senior international appearance.

Romero made seven tackles, won 11 duels and completed 66 of his 68 attempted passes.

His most memorable involvement came in the 60th minute when he timed a tackle to perfection to dispossess Enner Valencia inside the penalty area.

Argentina defender Cristian Romero pictured (left) tackling Ecuador forward Enner Valencia during Thursday's World Cup qualifier

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Manuel Cortina

Speaking to Telemundo about Romero after Thursday's game, Messi said: "For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni added: "I have no words for the match Cuti Romero had.

"During the home games, people motivate him and he thinks he's He-Man, he can run 70 meters.

"He is an impressive center-back, he played an incredible game."

Romero, who was appointed as a Tottenham vice-captain earlier this summer, has made an excellent start to the new Premier League season.

He has helped Spurs keep clean sheets against Manchester United and Bournemouth, as well as scoring crucial goals against Brentford and Burnley. 

Tottenham signed Romero from Italian side Atalanta in August 2021.

He joined Spurs initially on loan before the deal was later made permanent for a transfer fee of £42 million.