Former Manchester United player Owen Hargreaves has drawn comparisons between Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi following Diaz’s standout performance in a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig.
In the UEFA Champions League Group C decider, Real Madrid secured a crucial away win at the Red Bull Arena, with Diaz scoring a remarkable left-footed curling goal from inside the penalty box in the 48th minute of the last-16 clash. After the match, Hargreaves lauded Diaz’s performance, likening his goal to Messi’s style of play.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he remarked: “It was Messi-esque. Because of the way he can dribble and his low center of gravity, it was just breathtaking. One of the best goals you’ll see all season. The quality of this goal is astonishing.”
While discussing the contrast between Diaz and the injured Jude Bellingham, Hargreaves highlighted Bellingham’s physical attributes but emphasized the stunning nature of Diaz’s goal: “Jude is different. Physically he’s bigger, he’s stronger, but this goal is stunning.
One of the best I’ve seen.” Diaz, who spent time on loan at AC Milan from 2020 to 2023, has become a key contributor for Real Madrid this season, tallying eight goals and three assists in 28 appearances, including 12 starts. Meanwhile, Bellingham is facing a spell on the sidelines due to a sprained ankle.
Despite the setback, he has enjoyed a remarkable start to his tenure at Real Madrid, contributing 20 goals and eight assists in 29 matches.
