Sometimes, the only option people feel is against the best is to challenge players physically. Lionel Messi is one of the most feared players because a team’s defense was meticulously studied by an opponent before clashing with the star. After giving nightmares to defenders on and off the pitch, Filipe Luis, a former star defender, testifies about how he dealt harshly with the Argentinian forward in a game.
The FC Barcelona team in the last 15 years has been a force to be reckoned with. And Messi was one of their biggest strengths. Diego Simeone realized this early and planned to stop the star through Luis. The player explains how he dealt with Messi and what kind of player he is.
Filipe Luis reminisces about the game he wanted to fight Lionel Messi
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lionel Messi dribbling past the players is not a new thing for the opposition. Even great teams like Real Madrid faced such issues, with defenders like Marcelo explaining how they had to keep calm. But the Atletico Madrid defender had different plans. In a podcast recently, Luis said, “I remember that one game I said so, man, today I’m going to finish; I’m going to kill him, bro.”
This was the response in a game when Messi would come in hunting with all that he had, and Luis always wanted to be a hero for his team, who stopped Messi from using his magic. The Brazilian defender had to be physical with the star to compete against him. Even though he had inhibitions, he had to, because when the ball reaches Messi, he will send it back into the net if you leave him alone.
Filipe Luis and Lionel Messi played in 25 matches against each other in club soccer. Messi was able to beat his team’s defense 15 times. La Pulga even had a hat trick against him way back in 2011. The Brazilian could not stop admiring the star for his magic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Filipe also heaped praise on Messi
The Brazilian had confessed that Messi was the best player he played against. The La Liga-winning defender said, “I think I saw practically all of the games from 2006 to 2016.” Apart from analyzing Messi’s game, Luis also confessed to enjoying watching his videos.
READ MORE – After Shohei Ohtani’s $700 Million Deal, Tom Brady’s 23 Seasons Earnings in the NFL Look Meagre
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Filipe was not the only player to praise Messi; recently, even John Mikel Obi confessed a similar experience. The Argentinian talisman has trumped many defenders throughout his career. But this testimony from a reputed player attests to what a true talent Lionel Messi is.
WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat