Not Lionel Messi: Yaya Toure identifies the former Barcelona player as the most exceptional teammate he has ever encountered.

Not Lionel Messi: Yaya Toure identifies the former Barcelona player as the most exceptional teammate he has ever encountered.Manchester City’s Premier League resurgence was significantly influenced by Yaya Toure, one of the most accomplished African midfielders in history, who also played a significant role at Barcelona. Upon reflecting on his tenure with the club, Toure identified the most exceptional colleague he has ever encountered. Although he had

the opportunity to play alongside some of the most accomplished soccer players, he did not select Lionel Messi. Toure, who was a member of a Barcelona squad that was renowned for its success, acknowledged that selecting the most talented comrade was a challenging task. However, he ultimately decided to align himself with Andres Iniesta. “[Lionel] Messi was the best, [Andres] Iniesta was the best, Xavi was incredible, but I have to say Iniesta,” Toure shared with GOAL when asked to identify the best player he played alongside in his 22-year career. “He possessed a unique quality

 

,” Toure stated of Iniesta. “The experience of playing with him was altogether unique.” Toure, who played alongside Iniesta at Barcelona from 2007 to 2010, further stated, “I acquired a wealth of knowledge regarding technical skills and game reading from watching him.” “He also instructed me on the importance of covering my back.” In the past, I exclusively focused on the future. He concluded, “It significantly facilitated my adjustment to England.”

Toure’s reverence for Messi Toure did not neglect to acknowledge Lionel Messi, despite his preference for Iniesta as his most exceptional teammate.

 

Toure described Messi as “special” and “different” during an interview with BBC Sport, expressing his admiration for the Argentine sensation.”He is a quiet individual who is perpetually preoccupied with his football,” Toure remarked of Messi during their time at Barcelona. That was the unstoppable Messi who emerged, won his first Champions League titles, and garnered Ballon d’Or awards.Toure concluded that Messi is an ideal teammate, and that it was a joy to play with him.

 

The tandem collectively won numerous trophies, such as two LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. Toure departed Barcelona in 2010 after a disagreement with Pep Guardiola and subsequently relocated to Manchester City, where he maintained his winning streak.