“I could see the stars”, “He mentally destroyed me” - When AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta opened up on battle with Lionel Messi

AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta once opened up about his battle with Lionel Messi, when Barcelona faced the Italian giants in the Champions League. Notably, the duo played against each other in the quarter-finals of the 2011-12 season.

Messi was at his peak that season, as he went on to score 73 goals and provide 32 assists in merely 60 games. The legendary Argentine playmaker was in his mid-20s at the time, averaging an incredible 1.75 goal contributions per game for the Blaugrana.

His prowess certainly caused problems for Alessandro Nesta in their clash, as the Italian legend was already 37 years old. In a 2021 interview with Calciatori Brutti, Nesta said (via GOAL):

"In the 10th minute I kicked Messi and fell to the ground exhausted, I could see the stars. He was already giving me his hand to pull me up. There he mentally destroyed me."

"Do you understand? I was on the ground and when after two seconds I open my eyes, I see his face with his hand in front that he wanted to help me get up. He mentally destroyed me there."

The first leg (28 March 2012) finished 0-0 at the San Siro. However, the second leg (3 April 2012) saw Barcelona win 3-1, as Lionel Messi went on to score two goals. Both efforts went in from the penalty spot in the 11th minute and the 41st minute.

Antonio Nocerino scored for Milan in the 32nd minute, but a goal from Andres Iniesta in the 53rd minute sealed the deal for the Blaugrana.

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Lionel Messi delighted with Argentina win; hints at retirement

Lionel Messi has hinted at his potential retirement from football, following Argentina's impressive 6-0 win over Bolivia. Both countries faced off in their World Cup Qualifying clash at the Estadio Mas Monumental on October 15, with Messi scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists.

After the game, which saw the crowd full of adoration and praise for him, the legendary Argentine playmaker said to the press (via talkSPORT):

"It's very nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people, it's exciting when they shout my name. We all enjoy this period that we're experiencing and the connection with the people. We love being here, playing in Argentina with all these people, and happy about all that and about the win too."

He spoke about his potential retirement, adding:

"The truth is that I haven't set a date or deadline, I just want to enjoy all of this... This is what drives me, enjoying this, being happy where I am, being with my teammates... As long as I see that I feel good and can continue helping the team as I intend, I will continue enjoying it."

During the game, Lionel Messi matched Cristiano Ronaldo's record of racking up 10 hat-tricks for their respective national teams.