"We suffered some heavy defeats against Barca, but then we won again. I don't really know why things went so well. But honestly, for me, Messi is the greatest player we've ever had in this sport," Muller said in an interview with MLS on 21/8.

Muller (right) faced Messi in the 2014 World Cup final, which Germany won 1-0. Photo: AFP

Muller (right) faced Messi in the 2014 World Cup final, which Germany won 1-0. Photo: AFP

Early in his career, when asked to choose between the two, Muller often ranked Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Messi. But later, the German forward acknowledged his Argentinian counterpart's superior style.

"We always have this discussion about Cristiano or Messi. They are both outstanding, but Messi plays with a bit more elegance. In the first 10 years of my career, if there was a debate, I would usually lean towards Cristiano. But now, being older and more romantic, I favor style over pure performance. And then, Messi won the World Cup with Argentina, so I lean more towards him," Muller added.

In the 2008-2009 season, when Muller began his career at Bayern, Messi helped Barca to a 5-1 aggregate victory, including a 4-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. However, the German forward and Bayern always found a way to respond. The Bavarian team won 7-0 on aggregate in the 2012-2013 semi-finals, lost 3-5 in the 2014-2015 semi-finals, and then triumphed 8-2 in the 2019-2020 quarter-finals. Muller also helped Germany defeat Messi's Argentina 4-0 in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals and 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final.

Despite his losses to Muller, Messi has achieved numerous milestones. The 38-year-old superstar won the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, four Champions Leagues, 10 La Ligas and two Ligue 1 titles. Individually, he holds the records for eight Ballon d'Ors and six European Golden Shoes.

Ronaldo leads in total goals (938 compared to 875), but has only five Ballon d'Ors and four European Golden Shoes. The Portuguese superstar's notable team achievements include Euro 2016, two Nations Leagues, five Champions Leagues, three Premier Leagues, two La Ligas and two Serie As.

Muller recently joined Vancouver Whitecaps, an MLS team. He could face Messi again if Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami both reach the playoffs this season.

Thanh Quy (via MLS)