Lionel Messi is known for defeating the opposition on the pitch but new Marseille signing Alvaro Gonzalez revealed the Barcelona forward can also defeat them with his words too.
Former Espanyol defender Gonzalez was speaking to RMC about an exchange he had with Messi, when he commented on the Barca forward's height, and found himself stung by a brilliant comeback, saying, "It is quite a funny anecdote. It was period where we had three consecutive derbies between Espanyol and Barcelona. Matches of great intensity.
We used to banter each other back and forth. I said to him: 'You are really small, miniscule.' He looks at me and responds: 'You, you are really bad at football.' I had the final word: 'Yes, we are both right.' We laughed together and this story brought about a lot of smiles in Spain.
'Alvaro,' as he's best known, arrived in France to sign for Marseille from Villarreal this summer, on loan with an option to buy, and has made three appearances in Ligue 1 so far.
Advert
In the interview he explained that he'd been surprised by the passion of the fans, saying, "What surprised me the most is the passion for football that I have seen in the stadiums. I have only experienced two matches at the Vélodrome. The last was against St Étienne and it was certainly the most amazing experience I have ever had in a stadium.
"The two matches away from home, at Nice and Nantes, also surprised me in terms of atmosphere. It was loud and intense. And thus very motivational for us on the pitch."
Marseille have a mixed start to the season with two wins, a draw and a loss in their first four games, leaving them in eighth place in Ligue 1, and next face struggling Monaco on Sunday.
Advert
Certainly Alvaro's season has started better than Messi's because the Argentine super star is yet to play for club or country thanks to an injury.
The five time Ballon d'Or winner missed the end of pre season and was due back for the second La Liga game against Real Betis but is yet to return and will miss this weekend's match with Valencia too.
He could yet return in midweek as the La Liga champions kick off their Champions League campaign against Borussia Dortmund but he could have to miss that game too.
Without their superstar in the team Ernesto Valverde's side have only won one in their last eight games, maybe Messi needs to tell his teammates how bad they are instead of Alvaro.
Featured Image Credit: