5 players you didn't know played with Lionel Messi

#2 Lilian Thuram

Thuram played the final two years of his professional career at Barcelona

One of the best defenders France have ever produced, Lilian Thuram also played alongside Messi at the dusk of his illustrious career. The Frenchman, who won the Word Cup and Euros with France, was at Barcelona during the last two years of his playing career and during that time, just as Messi started dominating the world of football.

Thuram, a versatile defender who could play either centre-back or right-back, played just 58 games for Barcelona when Frank Rijkaard was the manager of the Catalans. The 2006-07 season saw Messi become a regular in the starting XI, and was showing glimpses of becoming the legend he is today.

About the author

Snehanjan is a journalist at Sportskeeda covering European football news. A hardcore Liverpool fan for over two decades, he has been covering the game since the past 8 years and always strives to give readers relevant, accurate and credible content.

Snehanjan developed an interest in football at a very young age, thanks to his father watching football on TV. His favorite player is club legend Steven Gerrard and his favorite manager is another legend in Jurgen Klopp. The ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ i.e., Liverpool beating AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final left an indelible mark on him. He believes that Liverpool is a family unlike other top clubs, which sets them apart.

Snehanjan also follows Indian Super League and the I-League, although the latter is closer to his heart. If he could change a rule in football, it would be VAR not pointing out mistakes of on-field officials unless they are clear and obvious errors. Outside the football world, Snehanjan likes to explore the various genres of music and watch movies and shows on OTT. He’s also a car enthusiast and likes to follow the automobile world.

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Edited by Staff Editor