Sadio Mane has been nothing short of a sensation since swapping Southampton for Liverpool in 2016.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Reds splashed £34 million on the Sengalese flyer but over the last few years, Mane has made that fee look an absolute bargain.

Mane has been a crucial cog in Jurgen Klopp's juggernaut with his ability to play anywhere along the front line giving him the versatility that the German manager loves.

His incredible rise was finally rewarded as he helped Liverpool clinch their sixth European cup in May after a man-of-the-match performance against Barcelona in the semi-final.

It was that very performance that caught the eye of a certain Lionel Messi too, who was obviously very impressed with what he saw in the Senagalese.

In fact, Messi even made Mane his first choice when it came to the voting process for FIFA's The Best award.

It was the ultimate compliment for the Anfield forward who has been one of the best players on the planet over the last year.


However, it is well known that Messi is locked in an intense battle for individual honours with Mane's teammate, Virgil van Dijk.

So it begs the question, who would Mane pick if he was forced to do so.

Well, in an interview with the Times, Mane revealed all.

“It’s a great compliment when Messi votes for you," he began.





"If you look at where I’ve come from, it shows I’ve come quite far. Without being for a long time at an academy, I got here. All I can say [to kids] is to keep working hard and go for your dream.”

“Yes, for sure . . . after Virgil [Van Dijk]," he responded when asked if he would vote for Messi.


No, Virgil is a great, great player but sorry Virgil, it has to be Messi before you.

Well, there you have it.

They might have won the Champions League together only a few months ago, but even Mane has to admit that Messi is more deserving than his teammate.

Mane will be hoping to continue his electric form at Old Trafford as the Reds take on bitter rivals Manchester United.