Share

Messi humiliated me - Puyol

Cape Town - Former Barcelona stalwart Carlos Puyol has revealed how little maestro Lionel Messi embarrassed him during training.

Puyol called time on his career, at the end of last season, with the Catalan giants after failing to overcome knee injuries and has now revealed how teammate Lionel Messi schooled him in training.

Puyol, one of the best defenders in the world during his playing days, was powerless to stop Messi in training, reports the Daily Mail.

"In a mini one-on-one match, I told myself: 'I'm going to see if I can stop him'. It was humiliating," Puyol told La Vanguardia

"Pep (Guardiola) told me: "Carles, don't injure him".

"I told Pep: "If you don't want anything to happen, stop the session." I tried everything but he always got past me at his own pace."

Puyol has one of the best footballing CV's in the modern game after winning six Spanish titles and three Champions Leagues with Barcelona as well as two European Championships and a World Cup with Spain and the 37-year-old believes Messi is the best player on the planet.

"He's head and shoulders above anyone I've seen" Puyol added.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE