"It's special" - Argentine defender expresses admiration for Lionel Messi but says he'd 'hit' PSG superstar if he had to during game
Olympique Marseille's Argentinian defender Leonardo Balerdi has lifted the lid on his experience playing against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi.
Balerdi joined Marseille from Borussia Dortmund for €11 million in 2021 following a successful loan stint with the French club. It was the same summer that Messi swapped Barcelona for PSG.
The two Argentinians did not cross paths last season as Balerdi did not feature in Marseille's Ligue 1 games against Les Parisiens. He was an unused substitute in the goalless draw at the Velodrome, while he missed the 2-1 loss in Paris due to a shoulder injury.
However, the central defender had the opportunity to test himself against Messi twice this season. He started in both of Marseille's league games against Christophe Galtier's side.
Les Phoceens succumbed to a 1-0 loss at the Parc des Princes and suffered a 3-0 defeat at home. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner notably bagged one goal and two assists at the Velodrome.
Despite being on the losing side on both occasions, Balerdi was thrilled to go up against fellow countryman and hero Messi. However, the Marseille star said that he did not let his admiration for the superstar affect his performance against PSG.
"It's special (to play against Lionel Messi)," Balerdi told French broadcaster RMC Sport. "We inevitably have it in the back of our minds: the greatness of the player, what he means to me and the Argentines, the fact that he is number 1 for us.
"It is possible that unconsciously it does something to us, but honestly, I guarantee it to you 100%: I was going all out and I wanted to win (against PSG)!"
Balerdi added that he would have taken Messi down with a tackle if he had to:
"And if I had to hit him (Lionel Messi) unintentionally during an action, I would have done it. We must ignore the importance he has in Argentina. You can have it in mind, but as a professional you have to think above all about your team and winning."
It is worth noting that Marseille also faced PSG in the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France in February. Les Phoceens earned a 2-1 win on this occasion, but Balerdi missed the game due to suspension.
Lionel Messi returned to PSG lineup against Ajaccio
Lionel Messi grabbed headlines after traveling to Saudi Arabia for commercial reasons hours after PSG's 3-1 league loss against Lorient last month. He left Paris despite being required to report for training the following day.
Les Parisiens took action against the Argentinian for his unsanctioned trip by suspending him for two weeks. Fans, meanwhile, hurled abusive chants against the forward in front of the club's headquarters.
Lionel Messi eventually took responsibility and issued an apology for his behavior in a video, leading PSG to reduce his suspension. The 2022 FIFA Word Cup winner thus returned to the team's starting lineup against AC Ajaccio last weekend after missing the trip to Troyes.
The former Barcelona man helped the Parisians earn a 5-0 win against Ajaccio but was not involved in any of the goals. He, however, had one shot on target, made two key passes and completed four long balls he attempted.