In a recent conversation with The Athletic, Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo opened up about an old compliment he received from Lionel Messi. The Argentinian superstar had labeled Maffeo as the "toughest defender he's faced" after a game in 2017. The 20-year-old defender sees this as a trophy and is now set to face off against another superstar, Vinicius Junior, in the upcoming Supercopa de Espana. This will be the 11th time that the two players will face each other, with a record of four wins each so far. Interestingly, Messi has never scored against Maffeo in their previous encounters.
Pablo Maffeo: The Unstoppable Force Meets the Unstoppable Object
Pablo Maffeo, the tenacious right-back for RCD Mallorca, has etched his name in the annals of football history. In 2017, the then 20-year-old defender was bestowed with the ultimate accolade when Lionel Messi, the undisputed GOAT of the sport, hailed him as the "toughest defender he's faced."
Maffeo's unwavering determination and relentless tackling on the pitch have made him a formidable opponent for even the most skilled attackers. His skillful reading of the game, combined with his lightning-fast reflexes, has given nightmares to his adversaries.
Messi's recognition of Maffeo's abilities sparked a rivalry between the two players that has persisted to this day. They have crossed swords on numerous occasions since 2017, with each encounter a testament to their unwavering resolve.
Upcoming Supercopa Showdown
In the upcoming Supercopa de Espana, Maffeo will face off against another world-class superstar, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. This will be the 11th time that the two players will lock horns, with a balanced record of four wins each so far.
Their rivalry is a tantalizing prospect for football enthusiasts, with both players known for their blistering pace, dazzling footwork, and unwavering determination.
Top 5 FAQs about Pablo Maffeo and Lionel Messi
1. What is the backstory behind Messi's compliment to Maffeo?
2. How does Maffeo view Messi's compliment?
3. What makes Maffeo such a tough defender to face?
4. What is the current record between Maffeo and Vinicius Junior?
5. What is expected from the upcoming Supercopa de Espana clash between Maffeo and Vinicius Junior?
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