Premier League star admits Lionel Messi comparisons are 'amazing'

Cameron Smith

• 15 Dec 2023 12:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Brighton & Hove Albion star Facundo Buonanotte has admitted that Lionel Messi comparisons are “amazing” but show a “lack of respect” to the Barcelona legend.

Buonanotte, 18, joined Brighton from Rosario Central in January 2023 having caught the Seagulls’ scouts during his time in Argentina’s top flight.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have focused heavily on South American recruitment in recent years and Buonanotte followed in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in leaving the continent for the AMEX Stadium.

Both Caicedo and Mac Allister left Brighton this summer, but Brazilian duo Igor Julio and Joao Pedro joined the club to keep the South American contingent intact.

Although Buonanotte is yet to establish himself as a first-choice regular at Brighton, he has made 26 appearances for the Seagulls since his January move, with his first goal coming against Nottingham Forest in April.

During his time at Rosario Central, Buonanotte was coached by former Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus striker Carlos Tevez, who compared him to Inter Miami superstar Messi.

The comparison was something that Buonanotte was extremely grateful for, he has revealed.

What has been said?

During an interview with Sky Sports, the Brighton man was asked about what Tevez’s Messi comparison meant.

“It had an impact,” Buonanotte admitted. “To be compared to, for me, the best player in the world is something that grabs your attention.

“I was very grateful to Carlos. It was amazing to be compared to Leo. But I always say that, in my opinion, there are no players who compare to him. It would be a lack of respect for me to compare myself to him because it's impossible.

“Leo is the best player in the world, possibly in history, and I'm just starting out. I just want to be Facundo Buonanotte.”

The 18-year-old also thanked Tevez for his impact on his career so far. “Carlos was a manager who helped me a lot,” he said.

“He was the one who gave me the opportunity to start for the first time, to get minutes and start showing the player I am. He and his coaching staff are a big part of why I'm here now.”