When Lionel Messi Named Ex Man City Star as His Toughest Opponent

• Lionel Messi has come up against some of the toughest defenders in the world during his career
• However, according to the Argentine, Spanish right-back Pablo Maffeo is the toughest he has ever faced
• Messi played against Maffeo when the former Man City ace was on loan at Girona

Lionel Messi has enjoyed an illustrious football career spanning more than 20 years.

The legendary forward's football journey has seen him ply his trade with some of the best clubs in the world, including Barcelona, where he spent the better part of his career.

During this period, Messi has played alongside the finest players, as much as he has come up against the toughest.

According to Sportbible, the 36-year-old helped Barcelona win 10 La Liga titles during his time with them as well as seven Copa del Rey trophies and four UEFA Champions League crowns.

Gavi shows off stapled ear after Barcelona’s La Liga win over Osasuna

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He then moved to the Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, before joining Inter Miami this summer following the expiry of his contract with the French giants.

Messi has gone on to score an impressive 11 goals in just 11 appearances for the David Beckham-coowned outfit.

Who is Messi's toughest opponent?

Back in 2020, Messi named Spanish right-back Pablo Maffeo, who was playing for Girona at the time, as his toughest opponent.

"Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest. I've never been one who complains, but that [match] was intense!" Messi said, as quoted by FourFourTwo.

The Argentine was making reference to Barcelona's 3-0 win over Girona three years earlier when Maffeo was at Girona on loan from Man City.

Aged 20 years old at the time, Maffeo stole the show during the clash as he silenced Messi throughout the match to ensure he did not get on the scoresheet.