After Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador, Lionel Messi named Tottenham’s Cristian Romero as the best defender in the world.
Messi’s free-kick gave the World Cup champions a 1-0 victory in their first qualifying match for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Since joining Spurs in 2021, Romero has established himself as one of the top defenders in the Premier League, having lined up alongside Messi during their victory in Qatar late last year. Additionally, he has scored twice this season as a result of his team’s quick start under new manager Ange Postecoglou.
Messi was full of praise for his compatriot after the Ecuador win, saying: “For me, [Cristian Romero] is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”
Romero did come in for criticism towards the end of the 2022/23 season as Tottenham finished horribly under Antonio Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason.
In response to his teammate’s compliment, he acknowledged that it will live in his memory forever.
Romero said: “These are things that will remain in my memory for a lifetime. I didn’t expect it.
“You always try to take advantage of the opportunity that the coach gives, the opportunity that my teammates gave me on the first day, who received me with affection.
“They welcomed me. They trust me a lot and I try to give back the trust to all of them. I am very happy and very grateful to all of them.”
Romero is “fit to play” in Tuesday’s match against Bolivia, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, despite reports in Argentina that he suffered a minor injury to his right leg during the victory over Ecuador.