“Facing Messi… it’s a feeling I will never forget”

In 2014, in Brazil, our round of 16 match against Argentina obviously represented an immense collective challenge. But, on a personal level, I was going to find the man who was, in my eyes, the best player in the world. I had already had the chance… or perhaps the misfortune… to face him a few years earlier with Arsenal, notably during our double confrontation in the Champions League. A 2-1 victory at the Emirates, then a 3-1 defeat at the Camp Nou. Matches that taught me a lot.

Even today, at 39 years old, when we see the influence he exerts on the world stage, we understand that he belongs to another dimension. Some great players mark their era. He marked the history of football.

When we learn that we are going to play against Messi, something special happens. First there is a rush of adrenaline, an almost childish excitement. As a defender, we dream of competing against the best. We know that the challenge will be immense, but that’s precisely what makes us want to be there.

Obviously, a thought quickly crosses the mind: “I must not be humiliated.” Let’s be honest, it exists. But it only lasts a few seconds. Fortunately. Because if this idea took hold, you would never sleep the night before such a match.

So I came back to our confrontations with Arsenal. Not to admire Messi, but to review my movements, my distances, my mistakes, what I could have done better. I wanted to find reference points. Arrive with a plan.

Because, despite his genius, Messi has never been, in my mind, an individual problem. It was a collective problem. This was the message we kept repeating. As soon as he entered a dangerous area, he needed immediate cover, a teammate ready to intervene if he ever eliminated the first defender.

But, in my head, there was an obsession. Just one. Never let him turn around.

Because Messi with his back to the game remains exceptional. But Messi who turns around, who stares, who accelerates with the ball at his feet… it’s almost impossible to stop. My whole match revolved around this idea: preventing him from gaining speed.

Then comes the moment when the speeches stop.

The tunnel.

Entrance onto the São Paulo lawn.

And there he is in front of you.

Surprisingly, I wasn’t paralyzed. I was focused. Very focused. And above all impatient. I wanted to fight it out. Because at this level, fear no longer helps. What carries you is preparation, trust in your partners and the belief that you have done everything to be ready.

I also had a little ritual before each match. Just before kick-off, I gave myself two or three slaps on the cheeks. Not out of nervousness. To force myself to be totally awake, to have the clearest vision possible from the first second.

That night… against Messi… I think I gave myself a few more. Because against the best player in the world, there is no room for a single second of inattention.