Ronald Koeman compares Max Verstappen with Lionel Messi: “I see similarities”

Max Verstappen has just achieved a dream season with Red Bull in Formula 1 in which he was the clear dominator from start to finish to claim his third consecutive championship. That performance It earned the Dutchman a somewhat atypical comparison with none other than the Argentine star, Lionel Messi..

This is what the Dutchman also considered, Ronald Koeman, current coach of the Netherlands National Team, who recently stated that he sees similarities in the way the Red Bull star dominates his sport which the eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or award that recognizes the best footballer of the year does very well.

“I see similarities with Lionel Messi. The will to win at everything. Being able to be tough, being on top of things when something is not fixed. You can see that in Max, in his behavior, in his look, in the venom in his eyes.”Ronald Koeman said during an interview with the Formula1.NL portal.

“He decides, for example, if he changes tires. He doesn’t ask, he informs. He takes responsibility. That is something that Messi also has, with whom I lived at FC Barcelona for a year and a half. And another similarity they have is that they are pure enthusiasts.”said the coach who took over as head of the Dutch team after the elimination in the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022 at the hands of Messi’s Argentina.

For Ronald Koeman, 60 years old and who led the Catalan team between August 2020 and October 2021, it is Max Verstappen’s ability to shine at all times that makes him similar to the current Inter Miami player in Major League Soccer. .

“There are many athletes who can be very good, but the best sports are about being good in the moments that matter. To make a comparison with football, everyone sometimes scores a goal or a penalty, but there are moments when you really have to do it and then many of them disappear.”considered Koeman.

“Max is always there for the ultimate moment and that is a special quality”said the coach about the Red Bull driver who finished first in 19 of the 22 races that were held on the 2023 Formula 1 calendar.

“He is focused and confident, even when in Zandvoort (Netherlands), 300,000 Dutch people come to the circuit to see him. “He gives everything when necessary and those are the best, the Messi, the Cristiano Ronaldo and the Verstappen of this world.”he assured.

“Max is the Messi of motor sports. “Once every decade, a talent like Verstappen comes along, someone who can go so far at such a young age is unique.”finished the Dutchman.

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