Cristian Romero has been in sensational form for Argentina and has been hailed as the best centre-back in the world by both Lionel Messi and a former Liverpool star
Liverpool icon Javier Mascherano has backed up Lionel Messi’s claim that Cristian Romero is the “world’s best” defender.
Argentina international Romero has quietly impressed since his £42million move to Tottenham in 2021. But his performances for his country have earned the most praise, having played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America victory in 2021 and their World Cup success the following year.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his thoughts towards the 26-year-old very clear last year, telling journalists after a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador: "For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match."
With the centre-back now impressing again at the current edition of the Copa America, he has earned the praise of another one of his legendary compatriots - Liverpool and Barcelona’s former tough-tackling midfielder Mascherano.
Echoing Messi’s sentiment, Argentina U23s boss Mascherano said: "Cuti Romero is among the best centre-backs in the world, if he's not the best already. We don't know what his ceiling is.
"He has demonstrated it throughout the entire season at Tottenham. He has been a cornerstone player for the team, incredibly important, and the Tottenham coach has repeatedly praised him in big matches.
"I believe he is at an incredible level, a player with impressive abilities who continues to grow and improve. The level he is reaching is impressive."
Romero has been with Tottenham for three seasons after being named Serie A's Best Defender in 2020/21. He is an essential player for Spurs under Ange Postecoglou thanks to his robust tackling, aggression and slick passing, having only missed five league games last season.
With 18 Premier League clean sheets under his belt at Tottenham, Romero is keen to add another Copa America winners' medal to his collection by the time he returns to England this summer.