Lionel Messi names Spurs star as world’s best defender

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has named Spurs defender Christian Romero as the current world's best defender.

The 36-year-old hailed his Argentine teammate after Argentina's hard-fought 1-0 win over Ecuador in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking to Telemundo in a post-match interview, the 36-year-old said:

“I think he [Romero] is the best defender in the world right now.

“He played very well, and, in my opinion, he was the man of the match.

“Having him behind me is the best thing that can happen to me. He always forces me to go forward, because he always wants to play one on one against his opponent. I have gotten used to not looking back and that is very good for an attacking player.”

The seven-time Ballon d'Or scored the only goal from a superb freekick to hand the world champions the three maximum points.

It was La Albiceleste's first competitive game after their World Cup triumph last December.

WDN