Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both acknowledged the most formidable adversaries they’ve encountered.
With a combined total of 13 Ballon d’Or accolades between them, Messi and Ronaldo undeniably stand as the paramount players of their era.
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While numerous esteemed defenders throughout history have grappled to contain either of them, on rare occasions, a player emerges to stymie one of Ronaldo or Messi’s extraordinary abilities.
Ronaldo once conceded that Ashley Cole, widely regarded as the premier left-back of the Premier League epoch, posed the sternest challenge he ever confronted.
The duo crossed paths in both the Premier League and during international fixtures, representing England and Portugal, respectively.
Speaking to Coach Mag, he said: “Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole. 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.”
Meanwhile, the toughest opponent of Messi’s career is less celebrated. Speaking back in 2020, Messi told FourFourTwo: “Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest. I’ve never been one who complains, but that [match] was intense!”
The Argentine superstar was alluding to Barcelona’s 3-0 victory against the La Liga outfit in 2017. At that time, 20-year-old Maffeo, on loan from Manchester City to Girona, diligently shadowed him throughout the match.
Speaking after the match, the defender, who now plays for Mallorca, explained: “Messi told me: ‘I’ve got you here for the whole day’ and I said: ’You’re the best in the world, I’m not going to leave you.
“He asked me how old I was, if I had been assigned by Manchester City and what it was like there. He said the marking was not pleasant.
“Messi and I were together the whole match. He has asked me a couple of things. He is a good person.”
