Lionel Messi wouldn’t get into any of the Premier League’s top six teams, claims Danny Mills

Lionel Messi of PSG
Lionel Messi of PSG - IMAGO / Le Pictorium

Former Leeds United right-back Danny Mills has said that none of the top Premier League teams would take Lionel Messi right now.

The Argentine international is undisputedly among the legends of the sport, but at 35, he is most definitely in the twilight of his career.

With 769 in 974 games across his career with an added 331 assists, the 35-year-old is seen as the greatest player of all time by many. Bur after sealing a move to PSG last season, Messi seems to be on the wane as he managed just 11 goals in 34 games in 2021/22 – his worst return since 2005/06. 

He will remain at the Ligue 1 club this summer, although there have been rumblings previously of a possible return to Barcelona or a switch to the MLS.

But according to the former Manchester City, Leeds and Charlton defender Mills, no team in the top Premier League side would want him right now.

He told talkSPORT

“Would you take Lionel Messi, who I think is the greatest footballer I have ever seen? I didn’t see Cruyff live or Maradona.

“Messi is the best footballer I’ve ever seen. I know Ronaldo’s numbers are a little better, and he’s more of a big game player.

“In terms of being a footballer, Messi is the greatest.

“But would you take Messi in your team now? Probably not.

“I don’t think they [top six] would take him. Liverpool? No. Man City? No. Tottenham? No, I don’t think they would.”

However, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor completely disagreed with Mills and went through every top-six team.

Responding on talkSPORT Breakfast, Laura Woods asked: “Would City have him?

 “1000 percent,” he said.

 “(Messi) would be the first name on the team sheet for Chelsea, especially the forward line.”

“(at Tottenham) he would start over [Dejan] Kuluveski.”

“Messi, even what he adds off the pitch in terms of shirt sales and revenue in that way, on the pitch when he is motivated. Last season he wasn’t motivated at PSG.

“If he went to Man City with Pep Guardiola, or under Klopp, you’d see a different Messi.

“He would start in all those teams and still has that quality.”