08/05/2020 - 12:38
- Clarín.com
- sports
The fact that Lionel Messi is an emblem of Barcelona did not prevent him from recognizing the greatness of a rival at the time of goodbye. La Pulga dedicated a farewell message to the historic Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas on Wednesday , who announced his final retirement from football at the age of 39.
"It was very hard to have you as a rival," Messi expressed with admiration in a message to the Spanish sports newspaper AS, in words dedicated to Casillas, with whom he starred in many classics for the Spanish League and for the Champions League.
"Iker is retiring today, but he has passed into football history a long time ago , not only because he was a benchmark in the League, but also because he managed to win everything internationally," added the captain of the Argentine national team.
The Barcelona crackman praised the former Real Madrid goalkeeper, who saved the last four years for Porto and was world champion with Spain in South Africa 2010.
Messi and Casillas faced each other on many occasions. Photo: Reuters / Gustau Nacarino.
"You are a spectacular goalkeeper and the truth was that it was hard to have you as an opponent, but looking back I also think it was a pretty nice rivalry that made us have to overcome ourselves every time we faced each other," Messi added in his parting words. Casillas, who always stressed that Rosario was the best player he faced during his career.
The Real Madrid idol had praised Messi before leaving for Porto: "The best striker I have ever faced? He is Messi. I have faced him many times and I have no doubts. I have had to experience him many times , as many good as bad". On another occasion, he said: "It made me a better goalkeeper."
Casillas was one of Leo's favorite victims in the classics played between 2005 and 2015. In total, he converted 17 goals in 25 matches adding up all the competitions (League, Champions, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup). He also scored two goals in friendlies between Argentina and Spain, both in 2010 (penalty at Vicente Calderón and Vaseline at Monumental).
A Hat-trick at the Camp Nou in the 2006-07 season by Liga was one of Leo's great victories against Iker and, in turn, they were the first goals that made him the classic. He also scored a double in the historic 6-2 at the Bernabéu, in 2009.
Already with Guardiola as coach, in the 2010-11 Champions League, Rosario scored two goals (one from Maradona included) at the Santiago Bernabéu for the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
Casillas laments on Messi's ideal night, during the 2010-11 Champions League. (Photo: AP).