Harry Kane Hails Messi’s Humility and Team-First Mentality
“He has always put the team ahead of himself, and I think that is one of the reasons why Argentina had the success they had,” Kane explained.
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By Robert Mutasi
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has heaped praise on Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine icon as an incredible player and an incredible person who has always put the team ahead of himself.
In a candid interview, Kane spoke with deep admiration for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, revealing that he has followed Messi’s career closely from his early days.
“I have enormous respect for Messi. I watched him grow as a footballer. I think he is simply an incredible player and also an incredible person, from what the people who know him tell me,” Kane said.
The Tottenham Hotspur all-time top scorer, who now leads the line for Bayern Munich, has faced Messi on a number of occasions at both club and international level, but says his personal interactions with the Argentina captain have left a lasting impression.
“I have only dealt with him a couple of times, but he seems like a very humble person to me,” Kane added.
Kane went on to highlight what he believes is the key to Messi’s longevity and success ,his selflessness and team-first mentality. According to the England striker, that attitude was central to Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for so long.
“He has always put the team ahead of himself, and I think that is one of the reasons why Argentina had the success they had,” Kane explained.
The mutual respect between two of the modern era’s greatest goalscorers is well documented. While Kane has established himself as one of the most lethal finishers in world football — breaking records in the Premier League and now thriving in the Bundesliga — he has often spoken about his admiration for players who combine elite talent with humility.
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won everything in club football with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Copa America and World Cup with Argentina.
For Kane, who continues to chase his own first major international trophy with England, the Argentine’s leadership style serves as a blueprint. At 30, Kane remains at the peak of his powers and has consistently cited Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as benchmarks for consistency, professionalism, and winning mentality.
Kane’s comments have since gone viral among football fans, with many praising the Englishman’s class and humility in acknowledging a rival legend.
In an era often defined by GOAT debates and rivalry, Kane’s tribute stands out as a reminder of the respect that exists at the very top of the game.
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