Wojciech Szczesny has revealed the one player he felt genuine fear facing on the pitch.
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The ex-Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, now at Barcelona, has encountered some of the world’s finest players during his nearly 15-year career at the highest level.. Continue Reading
However, the 34-year-old admitted that Lionel Messi was the only player who consistently made him nervous during matches.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, Messi is the most decorated player in the sport, with 45 major trophies to his name.
During his 17 years at Barcelona, Messi netted an incredible 672 goals in 778 appearances, winning ten La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. He also claimed eight Ballon d’Or awards during that time.
Messi’s success extended to the international stage, where he led Argentina to a Copa America victory in 2021 and a World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
Now 37, Messi is winding down his career in MLS with Inter Miami after a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, which followed his emotional departure from Barcelona.
‘I was always scared to play against Leo,’ Szczesny told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
‘There are probably other players who have scored more against me. But he was the only one I was actually afraid to play against. Because he was that good.’
Szczesny also revealed his penalty save against Messi during the Qatar World Cup was ‘the most satisfying’ of his career.
‘The best or the biggest? That changes,’ the ex-Poland international added.
‘The most satisfying save was Messi’s penalty in the World Cup, but it wasn’t the best save in my career. The stadium and the rival made that moment very special for me.’
Szczesny played 181 games for Arsenal, where he contributed to the team’s success by winning two FA Cups. In 2017, he was brought to Juventus as the long-term successor to the iconic Gianluigi Buffon.
During his time in Turin, the Polish goalkeeper secured three Serie A titles and five other domestic trophies. However, at the end of last season, Juventus decided to release Szczesny, prompting him to announce his retirement.
Just a month later, Szczesny reversed his decision to retire after Barcelona approached him, seeking a replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who had suffered a severe knee injury.
Discussing his move to the Nou Camp, Szczesny said: ‘When I received the call from Barca, when it became a reality, it felt different.
‘The privilege I feel to wear this shirt is what made me change my mind, and nothing else. I don’t think I would have done it for another club. It was probably fate.’
Barcelona have made an incredible start to the season under Hansi Flick, winning eight of their opening nine league matches to climb to the top of La Liga.
