"I think Messi is an even better person than he is a footballer. As a player he is gem. He has the heavenly gift of handling the ball really well. It’s incredible, what he is capable of doing, the way he gets round the other players, the way the ball is always glued to his foot. He hasn’t changed since I’ve known him. Fame hasn’t made him lose himself, the praise hasn’t gone to his head. He is still a great friend."

— Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City & Argentina NT)