Martin Odegaard Draws Shock Comparisons Between Arsenal Teammate and Lionel Messi

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has raised eyebrows with a bold comparison, likening his teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko to football legend Lionel Messi.

Messi is widely considered the greatest footballer of all time – especially since guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar – and has won eight Ballon d’Ors.

Best known for his spells at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the 37-year-old is currently playing for David Beckham’s Inter Miami over in the United States.

Messi is in a different stratosphere to Zinchenko in terms of ability but Odegaard is convinced he sees similarities between the football legend and the left-back.

In an interview with ESPN, Odegaard was asked to describe his Arsenal teammates in one word, and when Zinchenko’s name was read out, he simply said: ‘Messi.’

Odegaard has long been a big fan of Zinchenko. ‘I’ve seen him play a lot and I really like his qualities,’ the Arsenal captain said of the Ukrainian two years ago.

‘I think he’s a really great player. I think he can play both positions, sometimes as a left-back and midfield, I think he can even play as a winger. He can play different positions so I think he will be a great addition to the squad.’

Zinchenko looks set to stay put at Arsenal this summer after switching to his preferred squad number, following speculation over his future at the Emirates.

‘The number 17 is a very special number to me,’ Zinchenko told Arsenal’s official website.’ It was the number I wore as a young player, and I’ve always requested to wear 17 when playing for my country.

‘With 17 being free since Cedric left, I asked if I could change, and thanks to everyone at the club for supporting me. 

‘It’s also very important to say that if anyone has bought this season’s new shirt directly from the club with my name and 35 on it, they can get an exchange to my new number.’

Zinchenko hasn’t worn the 17 since leaving Russian club Ufa in 2016, due to Kevin De Bruyne and Cedric wearing it at Manchester City and Arsenal.