25 January 2023 , 19:55
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has changed his mind about Lionel Messi and now believes him to be the greatest footballer of all time - but has criticised Argentina's World Cup celebrations.
The AC Milan veteran, 41, is one of the greatest players of a generation but has frequently been outspoken throughout his long career. A year ago, Ibrahimovic rejected suggestions that Messi – whom he played alongside briefly at Barcelona – was the greatest ever player.
However, he has now reversed that viewpoint after Messi won the World Cup with Argentina last month. It comes just over a year after he suggested the former Barcelona star was not the best ever player, despite him winning his seventh Ballon d'Or in 2021.
"Ronaldo the Phenomenon," Ibrahimovic responded in December 2021 when asked who the best-ever player was, in honour of the former Brazilian striker. "As a child I imitated him." He also claimed that Messi was fortunate to win that year's Ballon d'Or title, adding: "Leo lives for football. But [Robert] Lewandowski deserved the Ballon d'Or this year."
In a new interview with France Inter, Ibra now appears to have reserved his viewpoint by stating: "Messi is considered to be the best player ever, I was sure he was going to win it. I am also convinced that Kylian Mbappe will still win one more World Cup."
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However, Ibrahimovic added his voice to the criticism of Messi's Argentina teammates for their actions in the aftermath of the triumph. The striker claimed that they "behaved badly" in the aftermath of their victory with disrespect towards France.
Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy last month (Getty Images)Have Your Say! Do you agree with Ibrahimovic’s assessment of Argentina’s celebrations? Tell us what you think here.
Among those to come under fire was Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was criticised for his behaviour. He controversially put his Golden Glove award to his crotch and held a doll with Mbappe's face on it during Argentina's victory parade.
"I'm not worried about Messi," Ibrahimovic added. "I am worried about the others in Argentina because they are not going to win anything else. Messi has won everything and he will be remembered, but the rest who behaved badly, we cannot respect that.
"This is coming from me, speaking as a top pro player, it's a sign that you will win once, but you won't win again. You are not supposed to win like that."