Lyon president ignores Messi, labels Ronaldo 'toughest opponent ever'

- Lionel Messi has never been one of Lyon's toughest opponents claims club president Aulas

- Barcelona travel to Groupama Stadium later this evening for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash

- The 70-year-old believes Cristiano Ronaldo is more tougher than the Argentine forward, who has been widely regarded as the best player

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has aimed a dis at Lionel Messi ahead of their Champions League clash against Barcelona at Groupama Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 70-year-old football administrator claims the Argentine does not always get motivated against his side.

Coach Valverde's men extended their lead on the Spanish league table following their slim victory over Real Valladolid over the weekend after three consecutive draws. in all competitions.

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The French League side on the hand came from a goal down to beat Guingamp 2-1 in their Ligue 1 clash and will be without captain Nabil Fekir due to suspension.

According to stats, Barca have won four out of their six meetings in the past with the remaining two ending in draws.

Messi has been regarded as the greatest player of all time, but Aulas believes the Argentine was never inspired when playing against his side.

The Lyon president however went on to claim that Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is the toughest opponent his side has ever faced.

Sportskeeda quoting Le Figaro (via The Express UK) reveals that the administrator said that: "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."

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He continued: "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 has however revealed that he 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."

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Barcelona will be hoping they can win their first UCL title since they last triumphed on the continent in 2015 after their 3-1 over Juventus.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Lyon face off with Barcelona in their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash at the Groupama Stadium on Tuesday, February 19.

These two teams were superb in the group stages as they were both undefeated and Lyon even traveled to England to beat reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

But Barcelona are favored to win this match considering the fact that they have won four of their six previous outings and will be relying on the superb form of Lionel Messi.

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Source: Legit.ng