Joao Pedro Claims Premier League Star Surpasses Messi in Passing Skills
Joao Pedro, the Chelsea striker, recently stirred discussions in the football community by suggesting that a Liverpool player surpasses Lionel Messi in passing skills. As Messi enjoys a career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, his impressive legacy remains undeniable. However, Pedro believes that Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s £116 million acquisition, has proven to be an exceptional passer.
Joao Pedro’s Bold Claim
During an interview, Pedro was asked to assemble his ideal player, selecting attributes from various top footballers. When it came to passing, he notably chose Wirtz over Messi. Pedro stated, “I think Wirtz. Of course, he had a lot of assists last season.” This choice reflects the Brazilian’s high regard for Wirtz, who has begun to find his form in the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz’s Impact at Liverpool
Wirtz, previously a standout player at Bayer Leverkusen, has made significant contributions since joining Liverpool. In the current 2025/26 season, he has registered 11 goal contributions across all competitions, evidencing his offensive potential despite a sluggish start. Initially, Wirtz went 12 Premier League matches without a goal or assist; however, his performance has seen a notable uptick.
His statistical performance is as follows:
| Metric | Output | Squad Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 1506 | 6th |
| Goals | 3 | 5th |
| Assists | 1 | 3rd= |
| Passing Accuracy | 84.5% | 10th |
| Key Passes per Match | 1.8 | 2nd= |
| Dribbles per Match | 1.4 | 1st= |
| Overall Rating | 6.82 | 7th |
Comparison with Lionel Messi
While Messi holds a remarkable record of 383 assists throughout his illustrious career, Pedro’s selection of Wirtz highlights a shift in focus toward the future. Wirtz’s expected assists (xA) tally stands impressively in the top 90.9% among Premier League players, underlining his playmaking abilities.
Although many consider Messi one of the greatest wingers in football history, Pedro’s choice illustrates the emergence of new talent and the evolving landscape of football. As Pep Guardiola once said, “Every team needs a player who can create magic.” For Pedro, that player might just be Wirtz.
Conclusion
Joao Pedro’s assertion marks a significant moment in football discourse, prompting fans and analysts alike to reevaluate their perceptions of passing excellence. As Wirtz continues to develop, the comparison with Messi will be a focal point for discussions about the best passers in the game.
