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

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo named the toughest opponents they have ever faced, but one may come as a surprise.

Messi and Ronaldo are two of the greatest players in history, having won pretty much everything there is to win while playing for some of the best clubs in the world.

While some of the most accomplished defenders in history have struggled to keep either quiet, a select few have managed to get the better of the superstars.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo once admitted that Ashley Cole, believed by many to be the greatest left-back of the Premier League era, is the toughest opponent he ever faced.

Ronaldo and Cole went head-to-head on several occasions while playing in the Premier League and on international duty for Portugal and England respectively.

Speaking to Coach Mag, Ronaldo 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."

Surprisingly, Messi's toughest opponent is a little less well known.

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 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 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.

"Messi and I were together the whole match. He has asked me a couple of things. He is a good person."