I was lucky – Riquelme makes claim on Messi

Argentina legend, Juan Román Riquelme has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi has reinvented himself over time.

Riquelme said that Messi is a genius on the pitch, adding that he was lucky to play with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 35 on Friday.

Speaking on TyCSports, Riquelme said, “Today I called him to wish him a happy birthday. Messi has reinvented himself over time.

“He is a genius playing ball and in the head because all he wants is to compete.

“I was lucky to play with Messi and Maradona. Playing with Messi was fabulous, I love him very much, we talk quite often. He is fond of me, time passed so quickly.”

Messi joined PSG from Barcelona last summer after the Catalan club failed to renew his contract.

The Argentine captain left Barcelona as the player with the most games played (767), the most titles won (35), the most goals scored (671) and the most victories registered (542) in their history.