Lionel Messi has incredibly scored 768 goals and assisted a further 365 in 943 appearances throughout his career at club level.
With a stunning record like this – which does not include his remarkable tally of 112 goals in 193 outings for Argentina – many would presume the Argentine dominated every defender he ever faced.
However, Lionel Messi does have somebody he considers to be his toughest opponent – a player Manchester City actually sold for just £8.8m back in May 2018.
What Lionel Messi said about Pablo Maffeo
Back in September 2017, the South American surprisingly failed to score as Barcelona defeated Girona 3-0 in La Liga, where City Football Academy graduate Pablo Maffeo lined up for the losing side while on loan from the Etihad Stadium.
Despite suffering defeat, the Spaniard’s defensive display up against Messi was so impactful, the holder of a record eight Ballon d’Ors still remembered it three years later when speaking to DAZN.
The Argentina international was quoted by The Athletic as saying: “Pablo Maffeo, when he was at Girona, was the hardest defender I’ve ever faced. I’ve never been one to complain. I believe that physical contact is part of football.”
Understandably, the right-back was honoured, responding: “It’s the best recognition from the best player in history. We lost that game, but the experience will always mark my life.”
Maffeo even played out of position in central midfield that day, but, as WhoScored shows, still managed to register two clearances and complete 100% of his passes, frustrating Messi – who Manchester City bid for in 2008 – enough to limit the Barcelona legend to just one shot on target.
Despite shackling a man who is arguably the best footballer ever, it was not enough to convince Manchester City to hand the Spain U21 international a chance, and he was later sold to VfB Stuttgart for just £8.8m in May 2018.
Manchester City could soon face Pablo Maffeo
Now 28, the man born in Sant Joan Despi is back in La Liga with Mallorca, where he moved from Stuttgart in July 2021.
However, Maffeo could soon play against Manchester City, with Marca now claiming that Nottingham Forest are bidding to sign the defender.
The Mallorca No.23 is said to be keen on the move, so Manchester City could well be reacquainted with their academy graduate next season when facing the Reds.
