In the hallowed halls of Barcelona’s training ground, a unique rule was in place, one that spoke volumes about the impact and reverence commanded by the footballing maestro, Lionel Messi. As the club’s all-time leading scorer and a key architect of their unparalleled success, Messi was not just a player; he was an asset so valuable that defenders were forbidden to lay a finger on him during training sessions.
Jean-Clair Todibo, a former Barcelona teammate who now plies his trade as a defender for Nice, recently unveiled this intriguing aspect of Messi’s time at the Catalan club. According to Todibo, the directive was clear – Messi, the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT), was not to be touched during training. While this may sound like an exaggerated tale, Todibo affirms its veracity, emphasizing the need to protect the Argentine superstar from any potential injuries that could arise from the physicality of training sessions.
Messi’s statistics at Barcelona are staggering – 672 goals and 303 assists in 788 games, a testament to his incredible influence on the pitch. His brilliance often left opponents in awe, and Barcelona, recognizing his value, implemented a precautionary measure to shield their talisman. It’s a move that might seem extreme to some, but it appears justified considering Messi’s pivotal role in securing three Champions League titles and ten La Liga triumphs for the club.
Todibo, who spent two years alongside Messi at Barcelona, shared this intriguing detail as part of the Ligue 1 Show. His revelation provides a rare glimpse into the extraordinary measures taken to safeguard a player who often found himself on the receiving end of robust challenges from opponents. Barcelona’s decision not to expose Messi to unnecessary physicality during training was strategic, ensuring their star player remained fit and ready for the challenges that awaited him on the grand stage.
As Todibo now plies his trade with Nice, his career has taken a positive turn, drawing attention from Premier League clubs, including Manchester United. The towering centre-back has been a linchpin in Nice’s formidable defense, contributing to the club boasting the best defensive statistics in European football this season. Todibo’s journey from the Nou Camp to the Cote d’Azur has been one of adaptation and resilience, and his recent performances have not gone unnoticed.
Speaking about Nice’s success this season, Todibo highlighted the team’s attacking style of play, emphasizing control and possession. This tactical approach has fortified their defense and put them in contention for Champions League qualification. Todibo’s versatility and adaptability have become integral to the squad’s success, demonstrating his ability to transition between different footballing philosophies seamlessly.
