'I wouldn't argue with Lionel Messi' - Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou responds to Argentina superstar's bold Cristian Romero claim

Argentina superstar Messi has stated that Romero is “for me, the best defender in the world right now”. The Spurs centre-half helped his nation to Copa America glory in 2021, before then playing an important part in their triumphant World Cup campaign at Qatar 2022.

Romero has taken on more of a leadership role for club and country, with his value to those respective causes continuing to grow. Messi is clearly a big fan, and that is good enough for Postecoglou – even if others may not entirely agree with the opinion that has been shared.

Spurs boss Postecoglou has told talkSPORT when asked about the glowing reference that Romero has received: “I wouldn’t argue with Messi. I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t like to play against him [Romero]. Most of the boys don’t like to train against him. He’s a real competitor and I love that about him. Whether it’s training or a game, what you see is what you get with Romero.”

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in an initial loan agreement in the summer of 2021. That deal has seen been turned into a permanent transfer, with the commanding 25-year-old taking in 68 appearances during his time in north London.