In a latest interview with Sky Sports Football, Fabinho has revealed that Lionel Messi is the toughest opponent he has ever faced in his career.
The Brazilian international cited Barcelona’s 3-0 victory in the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool in 2019, in which the Argentine legend scored a brilliant brace and caused him several problems.
Fabinho on why facing Messi was such a tall task
Speaking on Sky Sports Football’s official YouTube channel, Fabinho explained why he had a tough time against arguably the greatest footballer to have ever graced the game.
“I always wanted to play against [Lionel Messi] to see how he is on the pitch. Of course, [Lionel] Messi is one of the best players in football history, but I always wanted to face him to see if he was really good on the pitch as well.”
The 28-year-old continued, “And he was really good. I think I played against Messi maybe three times and the first time, maybe he scored 2 goals. The first game at Camp Nou [in 2019] in the Champions League semi-final.”
“He wasn’t really active in the game but always when we had the ball, he could do something different. A pass or an individual action for himself. That’s why this player doesn’t need much to be dangerous in the game so yes, he didn’t do too much but he scored 2 goals.”
Ultimately, Liverpool pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history in the 2nd leg, overturning a 3-0 deficit to win 4-0 in cinematic fashion.
However, Fabinho seems to still remember how brilliant Lionel Messi was in the 1st leg of the iconic tie.
When Cristiano Ronaldo of all player described the PSG superstar as a “fantastic player” during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2019, it seems as if every footballer eventually has to bow down to the great man’s unbelievable gift.
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