Messi and Ronaldo, who have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, are undoubtedly the best players of their era.
Many of the most renowned defenders in history have failed to stop either of them. However, sometimes, a player will rise to the challenge and neutralize one of their extraordinary skills.
Ronaldo himself confessed that Ashley Cole, widely regarded as the best left-back in the Premier League history, was the hardest opponent he ever faced.
They competed against each other in the Premier League and in international matches for 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 far less celebrated.
Speaking back in 2020, Messi admitted via FourFourTwo: “Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest. I’ve never been one who complains, but that [match] was intense!”
The Argentina star was referring to Barcelona’s 3-0 win over the La Liga side back in 2017, when 20-year-old Maffeo, who was then on loan at Girona from Manchester City, man-marked him.
Speaking after the game, the young defender, who now plays for Mallorca, explained (quotes via GiveMeSport): “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.
