Celtic have just signed a player who Lionel Messi once called 'phenomenal'

Celtic have completed the double signing of Joe Hart and James McCarthy.

Both are experienced, high-calibre players who’ll bolster the Hoops ranks significantly.

And Hart was once deemed “phenomenal” by none other than Lionel Messi.

Celtic have signed an “outstanding” goalkeeper

On 18 March 2015, Manchester City faced Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 second leg.

The Blaugrana won 3-1 on aggregate, but Hart’s heroics at Camp Nou kept his side in the tie and limited the opposition to a narrow 1-0 win.

Messi was quoted by Sky Sports as saying: “He was phenomenal, he stopped everything.

“We have to congratulate him on a great game because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”

Andres Iniesta, meanwhile, added: “Hart was key to keeping them in it and was great in one-on-one situations. He was outstanding.”

Hart has joined Celtic in a reported £1million deal (Evening Standard) and has penned a three-year contract at Parkhead.

Hart joined Spurs last year and made 10 appearances during the 2020-21 campaign.

However, new boss Nuno Espirito Santo has brought in a new goalkeeper in Pierluigi Gollini.

Hugo Lloris remains Tottenham’s first-choice stopper.