<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a> history. Over the course of his 20-year career, he has shattered records and thrilled fans worldwide with his extraordinary dribbling, goals, and assists. However, there’s an overlooked side of Messi’s game, and Javier Mascherano, his former teammate in the Argentina national team and at Barcelona recently shared this insight.



&nbsp;In an interview with Shoot For Love, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/javier-mascherano">Mascherano</a> highlighted Messi’s defensive abilities, stating: “If Messi were a defender, he could easily be one of the best in the world. It’s almost impossible to dribble past him. Sometimes at Barcelona, we played one-on-one, and it was impossible to beat him.”



He further emphasized Messi’s lesser-known defensive prowess: “Leo defends exceptionally well. He’s very fast, and when you try to dribble him, it’s impossible. We didn’t stand a chance against him. Sometimes attackers know how to defend too.”



This revelation is particularly surprising because Messi is rarely seen utilizing these defensive skills in official matches. In fact, over the years, he has gradually focused more on conserving energy to remain effective in attack, leaving defensive duties to others.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241012_BUS_250523_javiermascherano-1024x576_e461427c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Javier Mascherano, coach of Argentina U-20 Team" class="wp-image-149672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/javiermascherano-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/javiermascherano-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/javiermascherano-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/javiermascherano-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/javiermascherano.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Javier Mascherano, coach of Argentina U-20 team.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>A deep connection between Mascherano and Messi</h2>



Javier Mascherano is one of the players most familiar with Messi’s game, having shared the pitch with him for over a decade. Their journey began with Lionel’s debut with the Argentina national team in 2005 and lasted until Mascherano’s retirement in 2018. The duo also played together at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/barcelona">Barcelona</a> from 2010 to 2018. They won 20 titles together, including two UEFA Champions League trophies and an Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2008.


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<h2>Messi visits Mascherano’s U-20 team</h2>



After returning to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> following the 1-1 draw against Venezuela, Lionel Messi went to the Argentine Football Association’s training facility, where he watched the U-20 team coached by Mascherano play a friendly against Uzbekistan. Argentina won 2-0, with goals from Thiago Silvero and Franco Mastantuono.



Messi and his teammates will now have just three days to rest and prepare for their next South American qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, against Bolivia, set for Tuesday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Messi’s former Argentina teammate Mascherano reveals unknown talent of the Inter Miami star

Lionel Messi’s former Argentina teammate Mascherano reveals unknown talent of the Inter Miami star - Bolavip US

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/2023-FIFA-U-20-World-Cup-Schedule-Teams-Groups-Dates-and-TV-Channel-20230421-0003.html">U-20 FIFA World Cup</a> is well underway after several months of speculation. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> became the host nation in short notice, since Indonesia was removed from the competition amid political conflicts in regard to Israel’s participation.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>‘s team was therefore placed in Group A along with New Zealand, Uzbekistan, and Guatemala. La Albiceleste got off to a positive start, beating Uzbekistan 2-1 in Santiago del Estero.



However, their round 2 game against Guatemala already got heated before it even started. Los Chapines are accusing Mascherano’s staff of spying their strategy ahead of the game.



<h2>Guatemala U-20s coach accuses Argentina of spying</h2>



Guatemala U-20s coach Rafael Loredo publicly called out the Argentine team for allegedly having one of their members recording and taking pictures of their tactics in Guatemala’s dressing room.



Loredo even suggested FIFA would have to take action as this would go against the Fair Play rules. However, according to Doble Amarilla, Argentina denies the accusations, claiming that one of their members went to Guatemala’s dressing room by mistake but did not take photos or videos. After all, this may have been just a misunderstanding.

Argentina U-20 accused of spying by Guatemala coach - Bolavip US

Argentina U-20 accused of spying by Guatemala coach

The glorious days of the past, when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-man-united-propose-to-swap-2-players-for-frenkie-de-jong-report-20220426-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soccer</a> was dominated and starred by the likes of France’s David Trezeguet and Argentina’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-extends-one-of-xavis-key-players-contract-and-places-1b-release-clause-20220426-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Javier Mascherano</a> will return thanks to a nostalgic match starring legends from the American continent and legends from the rest of the world. This is part of the Daytona Soccer Fest lineup of activities and entertainment.
To talk about Javier Mascherano is to talk about a guy who has won practically everything in soccer. League champion in Argentina, Brazil and Spain with River Plate, Corinthians and FC Barcelona, multiple Champions League winner, double Olympic gold medalist. His few setbacks could be considered triumphs for many others: runner-up in both the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/qatar-2022-the-requirements-to-book-official-accommodation-in-the-upcoming-fifa-world-cup-20220423-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World CupBrazil 2014</a> and 4 editions of the Copa America.
For his part, the presence of Frenchman David Trezeguet at the Daytona Soccer Fest guarantees proximity to one of the lucky ones to have won <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/qatar-2022-is-there-still-availability-for-accommodation-in-the-upcoming-fifa-world-cup-20220422-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the FIFA World Cup</a>. If we add to this the European Cup he also won with his National Team and his multiple league championships in France with AS Monaco and in Italy with Juventus, we can only recognize him as a true legend of world soccer.
<h2>Who else will join Mascherano and Trezeguet in the Legends Game at Daytona Soccer Fest?</h2>
It will be a real blow to nostalgia to be able to see figures of the stature of Javier Mascherano and David Trezeguet on the pitch again, defending the colors of the American continent and the rest of the world, respectively in a match held ona field built exclusively for this event.. Both will have luxury teammates, who have in common with them the fact that they were true emblems of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/pep-guardiolas-record-against-real-madrid-his-numbers-as-coach-and-player-20220425-0028.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soccer</a> during their time as professional players.
The Daytona Soccer Fest will allow fans who attend to be close to world soccer stars such as Ezequiel Lavezzi (Argentina, PSG), Juan Sebastian Veron (Argentina, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mauricio-pochettino-jose-mourinho-how-much-do-top-clubs-like-chelsea-psg-have-to-pay-when-firing-a-manager-20220425-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chelsea</a>, Manchester United), Claudio Pizarro (Peru, Bayern Munich), Pavel Pardo (Mexico, Stuttgart), Gaizka Mendieta (Spain, Valencia), Mikael Silvestre (France, Manchester United), Miguel Angel Moya (Spain, Atletico Madrid) among others.
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" alt="Ezequiel Lavezzi, Paris Saint Germain " data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" title="Ezequiel Lavezzi, Paris Saint Germain " src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220426_BUS_189534_ezequiel_lavezzix_paris_saint_germain.jpeg_22993414_be52ceb3.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Ezequiel Lavezzi, Paris Saint Germain. (Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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<h2>What other activities will there be at the Daytona Soccer Fest?</h2>
During the 4th of July weekend, this cutting-edge festival will take place at the legendary <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/will-floyd-mayweather-jr-change-the-gloves-for-the-steering-wheel-the-money-team-arrives-at-nascar-cup-series-20220202-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daytona International Speedway</a>. It will be the first time that two such intense passions will come together: the home of one of the most iconic racetracks in the history of motorsports will host a series of events intimately related to soccer.
In addition to the legends match, those who attend this event will be able to witness two other great soccer matches live. The first one, a Colombian soccer classic: Deportivo Cali vs América de Cali. The second will make history in particular, as it will be an official National Women Soccer League match between Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville, broadcasted live for the entire nation.
There will also be activities for the whole family to enjoy. There will be Thrill Rides, fishing, freestyle soccer, camping, the popular Teq-ball and performances by world-renowned music artists such as multi-Grammy winner <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/buscar?q=offside" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rauw Alejandro</a> and the talented Chance the Rapper.Ticket prices range from $99 for single day tickets to $600 VIP packages with the best seats for both music concerts and soccer games.
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" alt="Daytona International Speedway" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" title="Daytona International Speedway" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220426_BUS_189534_daytona_international_speedway.jpeg_22993414_559a77ee.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> The Daytona International Speedway. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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Javier Mascherano, David Trezeguet and other stars, to play a legends game in Daytona Soccer Fest

Javier Mascherano, David Trezeguet and other stars, to play a legends game in Daytona Soccer Fest - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/barcelona-t11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a> arealready thinking about the next season. While Ronald Koeman‘s squad is fighting for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/la-liga-t48" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Liga</a> title and has to face <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/athletic-club-t365" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Athletic Bilbao</a> in the 2021 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/copa-del-rey-t210" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copa del Rey</a>Final soon, the manager and the board of directors are also making plans for the future.
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/lionel-messi-t13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi</a>‘s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/messi-aguero-and-ramos-in-2021-free-agents-starting-11-players-out-of-contract-20210412-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contract</a> situation is obviously the biggest concern for the Cules, as the superstar’s deal is running out at the end of this campaign, and he <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/mls-lionel-messi-rumors-can-inter-miami-sign-him-20210324-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has many options</a> to decide where to continue his career. However, the Catalans are also focused on the possible incoming transfers.
It is believed that Barcaintendsto upgrade the defense, and they were already linked with some potential targets. In fact, according to multiple reports,two Argentinian defenderscould land at the Camp Nou next season: Lisandro Martínez, from Ajax, and Marcos Senesi, currently in Feyenoord. There were many Argentines who performed with the Blaugranas, such as Diego Maradona, Juan Román Riquelme, among others. But how many compatriots have featured in defensive positions with Barcelona before? Let’s break it down here.
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<h2>Mauricio Pellegrino</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210416_BUS_170186_mauricio_pellegrino.jpg_22993414_c98f5a12.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Mauricio Pellegrino became a manager after retirement (Getty). </figcaption></figure>
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Following a long, successful spell with local team Vélez Sarsfield, where he achieved six titles, Mauricio Pellegrino went to Barcelona on loan in 1998. The center back joined Luis van Gaal’s squad that went on to win La Liga that season, in which he had 25 appearances.
<h2>Juan Pablo Sorín</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210416_BUS_170186_juan_pablo_sorin.jpg_22993414_ee817362.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Juanpi Sorin wore Barca’s colors in 2003 (Getty). </figcaption></figure>
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One of the best Argentinian left-backs inrecent years, Juan Pablo Sorín completed a move toBarcelona in the middle of the 2002/03 season, being acquired by the Cules on the winter transfer window from Lazio. He played fifteen matches that term, before being loaned to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/psg-t16721" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Saint-Germain</a>.
<h2>Rafael Zuviría</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210416_BUS_170186_rafael_zuviria.jpg_22993414_3051c6fb.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Zuviria had a great stint playing for Barcelona (fcbarcelona.es). </figcaption></figure>
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Even though he used to play as a left-winger before he arrived at Barcelona, he performed as a right-back for the Blaugranas. Zuviría belonged to a successful squad alongside the likes of Johan Cruyff, Carles Rexach, and Bernd Schuster. He spent five seasons from 1977until 1982, in which he amassed 14 goals taking part in more than 100 matches, and wonboth the Copa del Rey and the defunct UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup twice.
<h2>Gabriel Milito</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210416_BUS_170186_gabriel_milito.jpg_22993414_56f640e3.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Gaby Milito celebrating in a Clasico in his last season with Barcelona (Getty). </figcaption></figure>
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After emerging with Independiente only at17 years of age, Gabyhad a fantastic rise becoming one of the most promising center backs in Argentina. Milito’sfirst move to Spain was when Zaragoza acquired himand following four impressive campaigns being a starter, he gave a step forward joining Barcelona in 2007. In his first season under Frank Rijkaard Milito saw first-team action, but injuries cursed him in the next years, and he struggled to get back into the starting eleven. Heleft the club at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.
<h2>Javier Mascherano</h2>
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Even though the ‘Jefecito’ originally played as a defensive midfielder, in Barcelona he mostly performed as a center backand became a beloved person by the fans. He was highly praised by Pep Guardiola, who coached him in one of the best years in the club’s history, and belonged to a dominating team that claimed multiple titles. Mascherano was the second most successful Argentine in Barcelona, obviously behind the legend Lionel Messi, lifting 19 trophies in his eight-year stint between 2010/11 and 2017/18. He featured with the Blaugrana jersey in 333 games.

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The five Argentine defenders who played for Barcelona

The five Argentine defenders who played for Barcelona - Bolavip US

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The five Argentine defenders who played for Barcelona