The Surprising Toughest Opponents of Messi and Ronaldo
When it comes to the greatest players in football history, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are often the first names that come to mind. With their impressive trophy cabinets and numerous accolades, it’s no wonder they’re considered among the best of all time. But, even the most skilled players have their weaknesses, and it’s interesting to see who they consider their toughest opponents.
For Ronaldo, it’s no surprise that he names Ashley Cole as his toughest opponent. The former Chelsea left-back is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, and his battles with Ronaldo on the pitch were always intense. Speaking to Coach Mag, Ronaldo praised Cole’s tenacity and ability to shut down his opponents, saying, "He does not give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game."
But, Messi’s toughest opponent is a different story altogether. You might expect him to name a world-class defender like Sergio Ramos or Gerard Piqué, but instead, he chooses Pablo Maffeo, a 20-year-old defender from Girona. The two clashed in a 2017 match, with Messi admitting that Maffeo’s intense marking made it a challenging game. Speaking after the match, Maffeo revealed that Messi even asked him about his age and how he was assigned to mark him, showing that even the best players can have a sense of humor.
So, what makes Maffeo so tough? For starters, he’s quick and agile, able to keep up with Messi’s lightning-fast movements. He’s also physical, willing to put in the hard work to win the ball back and shut down Messi’s attacks. And, as Messi himself said, Maffeo’s marking was relentless, making it difficult for him to find space on the pitch.
The fact that Messi and Ronaldo both chose defenders who were relatively unknown at the time of their matches is a testament to the importance of teamwork and strategy in football. Even the best players can have off days, but a solid defense can make all the difference in shutting them down.
So, there you have it – the surprising toughest opponents of Messi and Ronaldo. Who do you think would come out on top in a match between these two superstars? Let us know in the comments!
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