Romero has made an excellent start to the season at Tottenham and is one of the first names in Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven.
The 25-year-old defender was pivotal in Argentina winning the World Cup and he was again in great form as the world champions beat Ecuador 1-0 last week.
Messi scored the winning goal from a free-kick but the attacker lauded Romero for his performance in the big game.
He claimed that Romero is the best defender in the world at the moment and insisted that he can now play his game freely because he knows the Spurs defender is behind him.
The attacker also stressed that Romero encourages him to go forward as he takes the responsibility to keep it secure at the back.
Messi told TV network Telemundo (via Mundodeportivo): “I think he is the best defender in the world at the moment.
“He played very well and, in my opinion, was the man of the match.
“Having him behind me is the best thing that can happen to me.
!He always forces me to go forward because he always wants to play one-v-one against the opponent.
“I have got used to not looking back and that is very good for an attacking player.”
Romero has earned 23 international caps for Argentina and won the World Cup and the Copa America.
