Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both name toughest opponents of their careers with shock player included

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both named the toughest opponents they have ever faced.

Messi and Ronaldo are the widely considered to be among the greatest players in history, with the pair having claim 13 Ballon d’Ors collectively.

While football’s most accomplished defenders have on several occasions failed to keep either at bay, a select few have managed to get the better of the superstar pair.

Ronaldo once admitted that former England, Chelsea and Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole, was the toughest opponent he ever faced.

The pair went head-to-head on several occasions while playing in the Premier League and on international duty in games between England and Portugal.

"Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole”, Ronaldo told Coach Mag. “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, Messi's toughest opponent is not quite as famous.

Speaking back in 2020, Messi said via FourFourTwo: "Pablo Maffeo of Girona was the toughest. I've never been one who complains, but that [match] was intense!"

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was referring to Barcelona's 3-0 win over the Girona back in 2017, when 20-year-old Maffeo, who was then on loan from Manchester City, man-marked him.

Speaking after the game, the 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.

Ronaldo has said Cole was his toughest opponent (Getty)

"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."

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