Messi identifies the toughest defender he has faced
Lionel Messi, former Barcelona captain, has named Girona's Pablo Maffeo as one of the toughest defenders he has encountered in his glittering career.
Messi faced Maffeo in Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Girona in 2017 and was man-marked by the 22-year-old.
The Argentine had a frustrating night as Maffeo limited his impact on the game.
When asked if he has feared any defender in his career, Messi says he isn't bothered by the man marking him, but he names Maffeo as his most difficult defender.
"Man marking doesn't bother me, but you know there will be bad matches, and it's strange to always have someone around," Messi said on DAZN's La Liga.
"In reality, it hasn't happened to me very often. It doesn't bother me, but it's odd."
"Pablo Maffeo of Girona," Messi added. That was far too dramatic. " I've never been one to moan. "I think physical contact and kicks are part of the game." "I get more annoyed and angry when I play poorly." But if I'm not, it's not a big deal; it's all part of the game, and I don't mind."
Maffeo, who is currently owned by Stuttgart, has also spent time on loan with Manchester City.