‘Lionel Messi is unique’ - Argentina boss names world’s best players as Lamine Yamal & Kylian Mbappe get top-three billing

South American GOAT Messi has been recognised as the finest player on the planet on eight occasions over the course of his remarkable career, with a record-setting collection of Ballons d’Or being accrued.

He is now 37 years of age, but is showing no sign of slowing down at MLS side Inter Miami. He has already inspired them to trophy triumphs, while earning MVP honours, and remains the most decorated player in history with 46 major titles to his name.

Messi will always be the greatest in the eyes of those from Argentina, meaning that Scaloni is happy to laud the achievements of others when it comes to picking out the cream of the crop in 2025.

Scaloni told Siro Lopez’s YouTube channel when making his selection: “I’ll set Messi aside because he’s unique. So I’ll say Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez as well.”

Unsurprisingly, World Cup-winning coach Scaloni has gone Argentina heavy in his choices. He only found room for Messi, though, in his greatest XI of all-time. That side is made up of: Gianluigi Buffon, Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Neybet, Alessandro Nesta, Mauro Silva, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Ronaldo Nazario.

Scaloni went on to say of holding Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho in the highest regard: “I try to take things from both of them in my style of play; they're both very good in their own ways. Pep played perfect football at Barcelona, and in many instances at Bayern Munich and Manchester City.” He added that “Messi at the 2006 World Cup” is the best player that he ever lined up alongside.