For nearly two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have stood as the two undisputed icons of world soccer. Their brilliance has sparked endless comparisons in the quest to determine who is truly the greatest, with opinions varying widely among fans, pundits, and players alike.
However, the most valuable insights often come from the defenders who had the daunting task of facing them on the field. Among these voices, few carry more weight than that of Alessandro Nesta. The former AC Milan defender, known for his exceptional partnership with Paolo Maldini, remains one of the most respected figures in the game.
Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and in soccer history, Nesta’s accolades include two UEFA Champions League titles, two Serie A championships, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a World Cup victory with Italy in 2006.
When asked to pick between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with Calciatori Brutti, Nesta didn’t hesitate. “Team Messi or Team Cristiano Ronaldo? Messi,” Nesta said. “I played against both. The little one [Messi] is phenomenal, but the other one scores 40 goals a year. Both are incredibly strong in their own ways, but if I had to choose, I’d prefer not to face Messi”.
Alessandro Nesta of AC Milan and Lionel Messi of Barcelona compete for the ball during the 2012 UEFA Champions League. (Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Nesta opens up about facing Messi in a historic clash
Nesta also reflected on one of his most challenging encounters with Lionel Messi, recalling the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal matchup between AC Milan and Barcelona. The Italian defender described the mental and physical toll Messi inflicted on him during the game.
see also
Not Cristiano Ronaldo: Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery names greatest player of all time
“He destroyed me,” Nesta admitted. “What was depressing was that in just 10 minutes, he had made 10 runs while I, at 37 years old, was already struggling. On the 10th run, I kicked him, fell to the ground, and couldn’t go on. I opened my eyes, and he was standing there, offering me his hand to help me up. That’s when he broke me mentally—he disintegrated me”.
The moment when Alessandro Nesta fouled Lionel Messi during the 2012 UEFA Champions League. (Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Nesta’s vivid account captured the brilliance of Messi and the sheer difficulty of defending against him. “Do you understand? I was on the ground, two seconds passed, I opened my eyes, and there he was, with his hand out to help me up,” Nesta added.
After that season, Nesta’s European career came to an end. He later spent brief stints in Major League Soccer and the Indian Super League before retiring from professional soccer, concluding a remarkable 25-year career.
