• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Federico Valverde gives brilliant answer when asked how to stop Lionel Messi

Home> Football> Football News

Published 20:52 13 Nov 2023 GMT

Federico Valverde gives brilliant answer when asked how to stop Lionel Messi

Valverde had a simple response.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

Real Madrid star Federico Valverde gave a brilliant answer when asked how to try and stop Lionel Messi.

Although the midfielder only became a regular in the Real team during Messi's final years at Barca, the pair did engage in a number of on-pitch battles in El Clasico - and while Messi was at PSG.

They have done so at international level, too, with Valverde's Uruguay facing off against Messi's Argentina during South American qualifiers and at the Copa America.

Advert

The pair have plenty of respect for each other - showcased when Valverde performed his on-pitch adversary's iconic celebration in a match in Saudi Arabia last year, holding his shirt aloft to the fans.

Lionel Messi's iconic celebration in front of Real Madrid fans (
Getty)

The Uruguayan was not in the Real squad on that night in 2017, but would cement his place in the first team in the years to come - and stopping Messi was always first on the agenda ahead of every El Clasico.

Working out how to stop the Argentinian legend, though, is one thing. Actually doing it when the game gets underway is another matter.

Advert

And ahead of Uruguay's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Argentina on November 17, Valverde was asked by local media how his team would try to stop Messi during the game.

His answer? "I don't know how to do it.

"I could never stop him. We had many Clasicos, and Casemiro was always a good weapon against Messi. Although not always.

"You have to respect him because he is one of the best players in the world."

Advert

Messi will play for Argentina for the first time since winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris last month.

When asked if that achievement makes him the football GOAT, he responded: "As I always said, I do not know if I am the best player in history or not.

"If I am one of the best, then this is a wonderful thing."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Federico Valverde, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Argentina

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

11 hours ago
12 hours ago
13 hours ago
14 hours ago
  • 11 hours ago

    ITV forced to apologise TWICE on behalf of Tyson Fury after what he said live-on-air during Soccer Aid

    Fury was interviewed on-air at Old Trafford - with perhaps an expected result...

    Football
  • 12 hours ago

    Thomas Tuchel told to call up player to his next England squad as fans say already he's outgrown U21 side

    The England boss has been told to promote a talented U21 after his recent performances.

    Football
  • 13 hours ago

    Jack Grealish ‘pranked’ into paying fan’s bill on holiday as TikTok goes viral

    The Man City star has been brutally pranked as his teammates prepare for the Club World Cup

    Football
  • 14 hours ago

    Trent Alexander-Arnold received two gifts from Real Madrid after signing contract with the club

    Trent Alexander-Arnold received two gifts following his transfer to Real Madrid.

    Football
  • Bojan Krkic snubbed Lionel Messi when naming the best player he played with at Barcelona who 'had it all'
  • Lionel Messi changed his mind when asked to pick his all-time favourite goal
  • Specific way Lamine Yamal is 'making history like Lionel Messi' according to one Barcelona legend
  • Gareth Bale didn't hesitate when asked to pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate