Cristiano Ronaldo and his Argentine rivals Lionel Messi
revealed the toughest defenders they faced during their soccer careers.
Like all strikers, Messi and Ronaldo fought tough battles with
the fiercest defenders in the leagues in which they played, but
some names imprinted their careers.
“Sport Bible” quoted Messi as saying that the young defender
Pablo Mafio was the strongest defender he faced, ignoring the
two players, such as Sergio Ramos and Diego Godin.
Messi said, “In fact, it did not occur to me that I was bothered
by a particular defender, but Mafio was a bit strange …
he imposes a severe and fierce defense.”
As for Ronaldo, who has gone through a variety of experiences
in both the English Premier League, then the Spanish League
and the Italian, he revealed that the strongest name he faced
was former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole.
“During the past years, you have had wonderful battles with
Ashley Cole … He is a player who does not give you a second
to breathe,” he said.
“He was a stubborn player when he was in his prime, a player
who was quick and difficult in the way he intervened.
I knew already that it would never be an easy match.”
