Messi’s toughest opponent was at Man City but never played in Premier League

Lionel Messi has faced some of the world’s best defenders in his 20-year career, and almost always comes out on top.

And while some opponents may have proved more difficult to get past than others, his toughest adversary is a name few would expect.

When quizzed on the trickiest player he has come up against back in 2020, Messi named current Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo.

Formerly of Manchester City, Maffeo spent three years on the books at the Etihad between 2015 and 2018, but failed to make a single league appearance during this time, spending much of it out on loan at Spanish side Girona.

And it was his performance in a LaLiga encounter with Barcelona in 2017 which prompted the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to proclaim him as his toughest opponent.

While Messi’s side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners that day, for him the match proved anything but, as he failed to get on the scoresheet due in no small part to Maffeo’s dogged display.

This left a huge impression on the Argentine great, who later went on to name this as his most difficult direct battle.

Speaking to DAZN, Messi said: “Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest [defender I’ve faced]. That was intense!

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

For Maffeo, who was just 20 at the time, it was simply a case of man-marking Messi resolutely at all times, who had scored 12 goals in eight appearances heading into the clash.

After the match, the former Man City man explained his strategy, saying: “When you mark Messi, you have to think that he is a normal person, he has two legs like all of us, and to be focused.

“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.’ “

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Despite the tough battle, Maffeo had only praise for the football icon, who he revealed took an interest in his career.

He continued: “He asked me how old I was, if I was on loan from City, how it was going there. He said the marking was not pleasant.

“Messi and I were together the whole match, he asked me a couple of questions, he’s a good person.”

Despite being kept quiet by Maffeo that day, Messi would finish the league campaign with 34 goals in 36 appearances as Barca lifted the LaLiga title, making his heroics all the more impressive.

And while his adversary’s performances with Girona that season weren’t enough to see him carve out an opportunity at Man City, the pair have since seen been reunited on the international stage.

Maffeo did not feature in the Premier League but played for City on a handful of occasions in cup competitions.

After leaving City in 2018, he signed for Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, before returning to Girona on loan, followed by further spells Huesca and Mallorca.

The now 27-year-old made the latter club his permanent home in 2022, where his displays have since caught the eye of Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.

Born in Spain, who he represented at youth level, Maffeo is eligible to represent the South American country through his mother, and received a first call-up in November 2023.

Despite not making it onto the pitch for the reigning world champions, the experience of training with his old rival would no doubt have been a memorable one.

After being named in the squad, Maffeo shared his excitement ahead of a reunion with Messi with Argentina publication La Nacion: “I think it’s unimaginable.

“To be able to share training, dressing room and training camp with the best footballer in history is great.

“I’ve already experienced it against him, now with him… well, it’s awesome.”