Hard-to-swallow pill: Messi admits Real Madrid are the best in the world

Lionel Messi was and will be forever a Barcelona legend, but that doesn't mean he's ever been dishonest when it comes to their nemessis Real Madrid.

The 36-year-old Inter Miami player didn't hesitate to praise the Royals after their recent success, as they triumphed in both Champions League and La Liga.

In an interview on Infobae, the Argentine magician admitted that Los Blancos are "the best team in the world" right now.

"The best team are Real Madrid. They are the last Champions League winner. If it is in terms of results, it is Madrid. If it is in terms of how they play, it is Guardiola's Manchester City," Messi said.

Leo also revealed some small secrets of his everyday life, such as the joint chat he enjoys with Neymar and Luis Suarez.

"We have a group, the three of us. I think Neymar put 'sudaca' or something like that, because he was put together... from Barcelona and when we played together and it stayed and I think at one point he put it together, he put 'sudaca' and it stayed."

Messi still does not rule out his presence in the next 2026 World Cup, although he does not give any clues about his possible participation either.

"It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself. And knowing if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the teammates," he concluded.