Messi Reveals The Toughest Defender He’s Faced, Speaks On Rivalry Against Ronaldo

The Barcelona captain has faced a host of world class defenders throughout his career, but he has gone for a surprising choice when asked the most difficult defender he's faced.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed his duel with Girona's defender Pablo Maffeo is the most difficult for him.  The Argentina captain also revealed he does not have a problem with the physical tackles he's subjected to from oppositions.

In quotes gotten from Goal, Messi insists he never complains about man-marking and tackles because they are part of the game. Instead, he gets annoyed when he has a bad game.

When asked the most difficult defender he has faced, Messi said: “Pablo Maffeo of Girona,” That was too exaggerated.”

“Man marking doesn't bother me, but you already know that there will be bad matches, it is strange to always have someone around,” he added.

“I've never been one who complains. I think physical contact and kicks are part of the game,” he said.

“I get more annoyed when I played bad and I get a little more angry. But if I'm not, it's not a problem, it's part of the game and I don't take it badly.”

Speaking on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi revealed it's something that will always remain forever. He admitted he enjoyed their duel during Ronaldo's time in La Liga.

“It was a special duel and it will remain forever, because it lasted many years and it is not easy to maintain certain levels for a long time. Plus, the teams we played in were also very demanding, both Real Madrid and Barca, the two best in the world,” Messi said in quotes gotten from Goal. 

“Obviously when Cristiano was at Real Madrid the matches were always special,” Messi said.  “The matches against Real always mean a lot, but when Cristiano was there they became much more special, he added.