Lionel Messi settles Steven Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes debate with simple answer

There has been a decade long debate regarding the greatest Eglish midfielder of all time.

Opinions are usually split three ways, with some preferring Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, while others have gone for Steven Gerrard or Manchester United icon Paul Scholes.

In terms of individual honours, Scholes ranks third but on a collective level, the former Manchester United midfielder won multiple trophies under the great Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

If there's one player who knows everything about winning trophies, that player is Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

Messi also knows what its like to play with some of the best midfielders in the world, as he spent a large part of his time at Barcelona in front of arguably the greatest midfield trio of all time, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

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Back in 2016, Messi reacted to the retirement of Steven Gerrard by annointing him as England's greatest ever midfielder.

Messi said (via Sportbible) "“Personally, I think [Steven] Gerrard is England’s greatest-ever player. I wish him a happy retirement.”

Gerrard made 114 appearances for England, scoring 21 goals, and while he never won a trophy with England, he led Liverpool to UEFA Champions League glory in 2005.

The former Liverpool man retired from football in 2017, and is now the manager of Suadi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.