Todibo’s Revelation: Unwritten Training Rule at Barcelona Prohibiting Tackling Messi

Former Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo, currently with Nice, has shed light on a peculiar training directive during his time at Barca. In an interview with Marca, Todibo disclosed, “At Barcelona, we weren’t allowed to touch Messi in training. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. We had to be as careful as possible.”

The Frenchman explained that such precautions were deemed necessary because Messi, being the best, warranted special care to prevent any unintended injuries. This unwritten rule, aimed at preserving the fitness of Barcelona’s prized asset, highlighted the exceptional status Messi held within the squad.

This protective approach toward Messi is not unprecedented, as past Barcelona managers, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, were known to prioritize the well-being of the Argentine star. Guardiola once advised Carles Puyol not to injure Messi during training, to which Puyol humorously responded that the only way to guarantee that was to halt the entire training session.

Todibo’s revelation provides a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous care taken to safeguard Messi, underlining the unique treatment reserved for football’s iconic talents, even in the intensity of training sessions.