Lyon president labels Ronaldo 'toughest opponent ever', claims Messi was 'never inspired'

What's the story?

Ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Barcelona later tonight, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has taunted Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, claiming the Argentine has never been inspired when taking the field against the French side.

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After having extended their lead at the top of the table in LaLiga, Barcelona travel to the Groupama Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie today.

Although the Catalan giants won the domestic treble last season, memories of their European collapse will keep them on their toes in the next few stages of the competition.

The Spanish Champions will walk into the game following three consecutive draws and an unconvincing win over Valladolid last week.

Lyon, on the other hand, came off a 2-1 win over Guingamp in Ligue 1 but will be without captain Nabil Fekir owing to a suspension.

The French outfit will hope to keep their competition hopes alive in time for the return of their captain.

The heart of the matter

Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, but according to Lyon president Aulas, the Argentine was never inspired when playing against his side. Aulas instead went on to claim that Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is the toughest opponent his side has ever faced.

Speaking to newspaper Le Figaro (via The Express UK), he said, "Cristiano Ronaldo with Manchester United in 2004."

"We led 2-0 at half-time and after he goes back to him alone, delay, it was a rocket."

"We faced boys like [David] Beckham, Messi, even though the Argentinian was never very inspired against us."

"We hope that it will last. He may have a flu, that would be nice."

Lyon boss Bruno Génésio, however, has an "anti-Messi" plan in an attempt to thwart the Argentine's efforts during the game.

He revealed (via Le Progrès), "The anti-Messi plan will be rather collective, where we will all have to respond. We will have to strengthen the midfield and the pressure around Messi. If you do individual marking to a man like him, at some point it will make a difference."

"And then, there is another aspect. We must defend well when we do not have possession of the ball."

What's next?

Messi will be hoping he can put in an inspired performance against Lyon when the two sides square off later tonight.

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