Buonanotte on Messi, Tevez and Vardy influence

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Midfielder reflects on big influences on his career so far.

Charlie Hanson

2025-07-20T06:00+01:00

Facundo Buonanotte has scored five goals for Albion in all competitions. 📸 by James Boardman.

Facundo Buonanotte has hailed the impact legends of the game have had on him.

Despite only being 20-years-old, Facundo’s career so far has seen him work with big names in the Argentina national team, at Rosario Central and Leicester City.

That of course has seen him play alongside eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi – although Facundo wasn’t keen to have any comparisons drawn between himself and the Barcelona legend.

“There is no comparison. No player comes close to Messi. It is stupid to compare. He is the best in history for me and there is no comparison.

Facundo Buonanotte has made 50 appearances for Albion. 📸 by James Boardman.

“The first time I went to join up with the national team, I was obviously very nervous, trying to bring my bit to the team. The squad is very strong but the best thing it has is being a group, all united.

"They live it all in a passionate way and this has brought them the results they have had. It is not normal to win four consecutive trophies. That is something to be proud of.”

At Rosario – his hometown club – he was managed by former Manchester United and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

“The world knows him as footballer but as a coach he pleasantly surprised me. He is very in touch with everyone, not only in football but outside it as well.

Facundo joined us from Rosario Central in January 2023. 📸 by James Boardman.

“He helped me a lot. When I was with him I was a kid, recently arrived in the first team at Central. He was a key part in showing me trust and giving me minutes.

“With him, I became a more regular starter. I will always be grateful to him, I always say it.”

A loan with Leicester City last season saw him work with Jamie Vardy, whose goals guided the Foxes to the Premier League title in 2016 – and he did admit to one comparison with Messi.

Facundo Buonanotte made an immediate impact in a Leicester shirt. 📷 by LCFC/Plumb Images.

“Humility. That is what makes them the footballers they are. They are both stars for me.

“When I went to Leicester, Vardy was the first one who came up to me and spoke to me. He showed me around all the facilities at the club. It was a detail which for me meant a lot.

“I had just arrived, they were all English, I knew nothing about the club. He came up to me and I valued that a lot.”