Black Stars Defender Gideon Mensah Recounts How Messi Caused Him Waist Pains When He Played Against Him

• Bordeaux full-back Gideon Mensah has revealed Lionel Messi gave him a raw deal when the two faced each other in the French top-flight
• According to Gideon Mensah, he suffered waist pain while playing against the Paris Saint-Germain forward
• The flying full-back hopes his ordeal against Messi will not recur when he trades tackles with Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Ghana international Gideon Mensah has shed light on how he was mesmerized by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi in the French Ligue 1.

Mensah, who helped Ghana secure a World Cup berth at the expense of Nigeria, encountered the former FC Barcelona captain last month.

In the said fixture, Gideon was introduced into the game after 69 minutes by coach David Guion to shore up the Bordeaux defence.

However, the former WAFA defender will be given a rough ride by the seven-time Balon d'Or winner.

Recounting his experience while defending against Messi, Gideon admitted the difficulty in putting tabs on the Argentine magician to the extent of suffering waist pain.

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“When I played against Messi it was difficult because he is something else. He [Messi] gave me pain in my waist after one turn in Paris but I am waiting to see what Ronaldo will try and do to me. Maybe it could be what I will do to Ronaldo instead, I will make sure I make him [Ronaldo] run." He told Joy News.

The 23-year-old full-back, who was deployed on the left-hand side of a back three in Ghana's reverse tie against the Super Eagles is relishing a match-up against Cristiano Ronaldo when the Black Stars open its 2022 World Cup campaign against Portugal.

“Facing Ronaldo is something I look forward to. I didn’t meet him at the club side but now I have to chance to meet him in the World Cup which is the highest stage. I know I will have to do my thing and defend him [Ronaldo] so I make it look like this is a game for me.” He ended.

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Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah positive ahead of Nigeria-Ghana blockbuster

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Black Stars and FC Girondins de Bordeaux defender Gideon Mensah has expressed optimism ahead of the World Cup final eliminator against Nigeria today.

Mensah played an instrumental role in the scoreless draw between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria last Friday.

An assured performance from the left-back ensured pacy and tricky winger Samuel Chukwueze was kept at bay while also providing an outlet on the left flank when Ghana attacked.