"Even though we lost each time” - Lille defender opens up on facing Lionel Messi at PSG in Ligue 1 days
Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has shed light on his experience facing Lionel Messi in Ligue 1. The Swedish left-back regularly faced the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner during the latter's two-season stay with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Messi arrived at the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2021 after Barcelona failed to renew his contract. The diminutive Argentine had a decent stay with the Parisians, winning the league in both seasons.
Gudmundsson faced Messi on three occasions during the latter's stay with PSG. Unfortunately for the Swede, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner came up on top in every encounter, even getting on the scoresheet in all three games.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Gudmundsson insisted that it was a wonderful experience to face his idol on the pitch.
“For me, it was fantastic because he was my idol when I was a kid. It was a good moment to play against him and get that experience as well. I really enjoyed it afterwards, even though we lost each time," said Gudmundsson.
"When you are a kid, you look forward to playing in the Champions League, hearing the anthem, and playing against the big players," he continued.
Messi registered 32 goals and 35 assists from 75 games across competitions for the Parisians, before leaving to join Inter Miami last year as a free agent.
How has Lionel Messi performed in the MLS Playoffs this year?
Lionel Messi has been in superb form for Inter Miami since arriving at the Chase Stadium in the summer of 2023. Last year, he helped the Herons lift the Leagues Cup, the first trophy in the club's history.
This season, the Argentine ace has taken the club to the top of the Eastern Conference table in the MLS, guiding them to the Supporters' Shield. He has registered 22 goals and 13 assists from 24 games across competitions this season.
The Florida-based side are now preparing to face Atlanta United in the third game of the best-of-three series in the MLS Playoffs First Round on Saturday, November 9. Lionel Messi was crucial to the 2-1 win in the first leg last month, setting up one goal.
However, the 37-year-old failed to have an impact as Inter Miami succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United over the weekend in the second leg. With the tie in the balance, the Herons will be turning to their talisman to inspire them to the Conference semifinals.