“He is first class, very creative” – When Lionel Messi hailed Real Madrid rival with ‘best player’ claim

FC Barcelona v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga - Source: Getty

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi had once hailed former Real Madrid rival Mezut Ozil as the best player of his national team, Germany. Ozil played for Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013.

Lionel Messi and Mesut Ozil have faced each other in 22 games across club and country. The Argentine legend won 10 games and lost and drew six games each against Ozil.

The duo played against each other in 16 El Clasicos when Ozil was at Real Madrid and Messi at Barcelona. The retired midfielder was a part of Germany's squad when they notably beat Messi's Argentina 1-0 in extra-time in the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Ozil has 23 goals in 92 caps for Germany.