Tottenham told how lucky they are after Lionel Messi claimed they've got 'world's best'

Tottenham have been told they have the best centre-back in the world in Cristian Romero - just months after Lionel Messi made the same observation.

Romero’s performances in central defence have gone somewhat under the radar at Tottenham since his £42million move in 2021. That is largely due to the north London club’s overall struggles though, with ‘Cuti’ Romero’s stellar displays receiving widespread praise whenever he represents Argentina.

The 26-year-old played a key role in his nation’s Copa America win in 2021 and their long-awaited World Cup triumph a year later. And his form at the current edition of the Copa America has once more attracted praise, this time from Argentina’s U23s boss Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano, a former team-mate of Messi's, both for the national team and for Barcelona, 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."

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Messi, widely considered the greatest player of all time, was even more certain of Romero’s current standing in the game. He told reporters after a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador last year: “For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”

Romero has spent three seasons with Spurs after landing Serie A’s Best Defender award in 2020/21. His tackling, aggression and passing ability make him a vital cog in Ange Postecoglou’s side, having missed just five league games last season.

The Argentine has 18 Premier League clean sheets to his name for Tottenham. And the 32-times capped defender will be eager to return to England this summer with another Copa America winners’ medal.