‘It’s almost impossible’: Lionel Messi’s hidden talent discovered by his former Barcelona teammate

On By Yukito

  • Lionel Messi is known in the football world as an imperial striker with an almost unrivaled skill set
  • However, one of his former Barcelona teammates revealed a surprising detail about Messi, unknown to many people
  • Believes that if the 2022 World Cup winner chose not to play as a striker, he would still be “the best”

According to his long-time teammate Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi would be one of the “best defenders in the world” if he chose to play in defense.

The two shared the pitch for eight years at Barcelona and 13 years with the Argentine national team, which gave Mascherano plenty of time to observe Messi’s extraordinary talent up close.

Retired Argentine star Javier Mascherano played alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona for eight years after his transfer from Liverpool in 2010.
Javier Mascherano played alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona for eight years after his transfer from Liverpool in 2010. Photo: Denis Doyle.
Source: UGC

Messi’s unparalleled achievements

While Messi is widely considered the greatest footballer of all time due to his astonishing attacking achievements – including a record 91 goals in a calendar year and the unprecedented collection of trophies he amassed – Mascherano offers a different perspective on Messi’s versatile ability.

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Mascherano discovers Messi’s defensive talent

In an interview with Shoot for Love, the former Liverpool midfielder revealed that Messi was almost unbeatable, even in defense.

“If Messi was a defender, maybe he would be one of the best defenders in the world,” Mascherano said, as quoted by Goal, highlighting his teammate’s defensive skills.

“It’s impossible to overtake him. Sometimes in Barcelona we played one-on-one and you couldn’t get past him.”

Is Lionel Messi good in defense?

Although the football world knows Messi for his phenomenal dribbling, passing and goal-scoring, Mascherano’s observations provide a different perspective on Messi’s game, reports Bolavip.

As Mascherano notes: “Sometimes attackers know how to defend themselves.

“Leo defended very well. He was very fast and when you tried to overtake him it was impossible.”

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Mascherano’s story highlights Messi’s near-divine status in the sport, illustrating how his talent transcends a single position on the pitch.

Whether creating magic in attack or beating opponents in defense, Messi’s all-encompassing genius is unmatched in the modern game.

A close friend of Messi is suing Barcelona

Meanwhile, TUKO.co.ke also reported that Lionel Messi’s close friend Sergio Aguero has filed a lawsuit against Barcelona, ​​demanding 3 million euros ($3.2 million) in damages for the early termination of his contract.

Agüero made only five appearances before his career was cut short due to health problems.

He claims the club still owes him a significant amount under the termination agreement.

Source: YEN.com.gh