Cote d'Ivoire legend Yaya Toure snubs Lionel Messi, picks Barcelona icon as best ever

Cote d'Ivoire legend Yaya Toure snubs Lionel Messi, picks Barcelona icon as best ever

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 09:32 - 08.10.2024

Former Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has revealed the best player he ever shared the pitch with throughout an illustrious career.

Legendary Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has brought an end to his illustrious career, announcing his retirement from professional football after an incredible two decades at the top.

Iniesta's playing days were filled with glory, trophies, and the company of some of football's greatest talents.

He shared the pitch with iconic names like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Xavi, and Ronaldinho, among others.

Yaya Toure picks Iniesta over Messi, Xavi

Iniesta's time at Barcelona also saw him line up alongside Yaya Toure, who recently reflected on the best players he's had the pleasure of playing with.

Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta, was honoured after leading Spain to World Cup glory. (Photo Credit: LaLiga)
Andres Iniesta with the FIFA World Cup trophy

When asked, Toure named three standouts: Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. But when pressed to choose just one, Toure didn't hesitate.

"Messi was top, Iniesta was top, Xavi was great, but I will say Iniesta," Toure revealed (via Goal). "He had something different. Playing with him, wow! It was something else."

Toure left Barcelona to join Manchester City in 2010, winning three Premier League titles, and establishing himself as one of the league's best-ever midfielders.