“I’m not one to complain but that was intense”: Messi reveals his toughest opponent ever — and it’s not from Real Madrid

Lionel Messi’s toughest opponent comes from La Liga but it’s none of Real Madrid players, as you would expect.

In 2020, the Argentinean named right-back Pablo Maffeo, recalling Barca’s 3-0 victory against Girona in 2017. Although Barca won on that day, Maffeo, a loanee from Man City at the time, made sure Messi didn’t get on the scoresheet.

“Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest,” Messi told DAZN (h/t SportBible). “I’ve never been one who complains, but that game was intense!”

Maffeo also opened up on that game (h/t GiveMeSport): “Messi told me: ‘I’ve got you here for the whole day’ and I said: ’You’re the best in the world, I’m not going to leave you alone.

“He asked me how old I was, if I had been assigned by Manchester City, and what it was like there. He said the marking was not pleasant.”

Messi’s recognition of Maffeo’s challenging marking is a testament to the determination and skill of players who may not be in the global football spotlight but can pose significant challenges to even the greatest talents in the sport.