Even though Lionel Messi put up astonishing performances, his nascent years saw many disappointments. From being benched in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinal to losing the UEFA Super Cup in 2006, Messi had to face the fire. But now, according to a former Liverpool player, the Argentine’s failure to score led to FC Barcelona’s loss in the 2007 UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Only one goal from Liverpool in FCB’s den led them to glory against Frank Rijkaard’s team in 2007. However, former Liverpool right-back Alvaro Arbeloa reflected on how he held Messi that day with comfort, leading to their win. Speaking recently on Coaches’ Voice, he said, “The main difference from the Messi I marked that day to a few years later was that then Messi would almost always receive very, very wide, which made it easier for me to mark. Not quite man-to-man, but by dropping a lot in my zone and almost letting him receive on the wing,” explaining the tactic under the guidance of the coach Rafael Benitez.

Messi did not have much freedom and versatility on the pitch as now felt the Spanish defender. The Argentine captain, known to take down the defenders, was quiet during most of the tournament that season, scoring just 1 goal in 5 games. During both legs of the round of 16, Messi was left helpless as Liverpool just managed to see Barcelona out.

Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Camp Nou in the first leg was pivotal to their progress. Despite Barcelona scoring a goal at Anfield, the away goal rule saw them through to the quarterfinals. The 2006 champions, were knocked out and could not win even La Liga that year, losing out on head-to-head ties against archrival Real Madrid. But quite a few tactics went in to stop the Argentine maestro.

Alvaro Arbeloa explains how they needed to use two defenders to stop Lionel Messi

Explaining that Lionel Messi wasn’t as demanding in those days, Arbeloa stated that John Arne Riise’s position as a backup helped him. Revealing further, he said, “If Leo dropped, I could go because there wasn’t that threat in behind and because Riise was also there. Sometimes, even if I pushed up a lot with Leo, he would drop and cover my position,” focusing more on the Inter Miami captain.

Erling Haaland Dishes Out Retirement Advice to Lionel Messi: ’The Best’

Nevertheless, a lot of things have changed since then. Messi went on to win three more Champions League titles with FC Barcelona and moved out of Europe to play in the MLS. But the former Real Madrid defender remembers the times when he was vulnerable.

Trending

Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality

March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

Back From Injury, Erling Haaland Puts Liverpool & Arsenal On Notice With ‘Final’ Challenge

April 27, 2024 09:50 AM EDT

Banned in Last Game, Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight For Al Nassr Vs Al Khaleej

April 27, 2024 02:00 PM EDT

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT

Al Nassr Vs Al Khaleej- Expected Starting Lineups, Injuries, Team News, Predictions, Live Streaming, TV Channels & Latest Update On Cristiano Ronaldo’s Suspension

April 26, 2024 07:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

9 Years After Brawl With Lionel Messi, Ex-La Liga Star Named as Coach of a Sao Paulo Club