Hockey player Comtois calls Messi the best footballer ever.
In the world of professional sports, where the clatter of hockey sticks and the roar of the crowd usually dominate the conversation, it’s a refreshing and telling moment when an athlete’s passion for another game comes to the fore. Maxime Comtois, the forward for Moscow’s Dynamo who is currently navigating his second season in the FONBET KHL, recently provided such a moment, shifting the discourse from slap shots to through balls in a candid interview that reveals the unifying power of global football.While many KHL teams have formal traditions of gathering to watch marquee matches like El Clásico or the Champions League, Comtois noted that his Dynamo squad doesn't have such an organized ritual, though he personally makes a point of never missing a FC Barcelona match. This individual fandom sets the stage for a fascinating dynamic with his coach, Vyacheslav Kozlov, a noted and passionate Real Madrid supporter.Comtois described the post-El Clásico ritual with a chuckle, admitting that their exchange of opinions frequently escalates into friendly but heated arguments, a testament to the fierce loyalties the beautiful game inspires even among elite athletes in a completely different sport. He went on to reflect on the profound importance of these shared interests, noting how they act as a crucial social adhesive within a team, especially for a foreign player like himself trying to acclimate to a new culture and locker room environment.Having common ground, a universal language found in debating the merits of footballing giants, dramatically eases the adaptation process and forges stronger bonds between teammates. When the perennial, globe-spanning debate arose—who is the superior footballer, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo—Comtois left no room for ambiguity.With the conviction of a true aficionado, he dismissed the very premise of the argument, declaring, 'What debates could there possibly be? Messi is the best player of all time!' He then displayed a nuanced understanding that separates casual observers from true students of the game, acknowledging the distinct qualities that make both legends extraordinary. He characterized Ronaldo as possessing perhaps the greatest work ethic in all of sports, a relentless force who has maximized every ounce of his potential through sheer, unyielding determination.In contrast, he described Messi as a player gifted with a level of innate, natural talent that seems almost otherworldly. While Comtois expressed respect for what both men have achieved, his heart, like that of so many purists, lies with the Argentinian magician, stating plainly that it is simply more pleasurable to watch Lionel Messi play.This endorsement from a professional athlete in a different discipline carries significant weight; it’s an appraisal based not on nationalistic bias or club allegiance, but on a pure appreciation for artistry and genius, seen through the eyes of someone who understands the pinnacle of physical performance. It echoes the sentiments of countless peers, from Jordi Alba, who recently called playing with Messi a 'privilege,' to legends across sports who recognize a transcendent talent when they see one. Comtois's comments underscore how Messi’s legacy has permeated the entire athletic world, becoming a benchmark for excellence that resonates far beyond the confines of the football pitch.
#hockey
#KHL
#Dynamo Moscow
#Messi
#Ronaldo
#El Clásico
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#Maxim Comtois
