A former LaLiga defender has revealed had a sleepless nights whenever he had to come up against Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Brazilian full-back Guilherme Santos had a brief spell in Spain where he played for Almeria and Real Valladolid.
Messi Nets 60th Free-Kick As PSG Reclaim Top Spot
While playing for Almeria in the Spanish top-flight in 2010, Santos has revealed how coming up against the Barcelona superstar would give him sleepless nights.
"When I went there, I didn't sleep. I knew it was possible that I will be ashamed. I believed in my potential. But we have to respect [Messi]," Santos told ESPN Brazil.
"The man was an ET [extra terrestrial]. The ball was with him at all times."
The 34-year-old also opened up about how he tried to press the Argentine and it didn't work out well for him.
I always had a lot of strength. When I pressed, I won. I thought 'This guy is not all that'. Why did I poke the guy? Are you crazy?
"The last ball, he looked at me. In one he cut me, he cut in, out, in and out. I kept looking back like that. Where's Mano [Messi]? I got lost.
"Then, just when I thought he was going to kick, he cut. He did some things at the last minute, you know? And he couldn't. It was really genius."
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
