Diego Godín, the second‑most frequent opponent of Lionel Messi, honored his great rival on RMC Sport, calling him the finest player ever seen.
He jokes he’s faced Messi a million times, but the record shows 43 meetings – only Sergio Ramos tops him with 44. Godín recalls countless stories from those battles.
43 encounters, only two wins for Godín
From 2004 to 2021 the duo met constantly, to the Uruguay star’s dismay: just two victories, thirteen draws and twenty‑eight defeats against Messi’s side.
Godín admits he lost more than he won against Messi – Uruguay versus Argentina and Atlético versus Barça. He respects the Argentine as the best he’s ever faced, sharing over 3,400 minutes on the pitch together.
His Atlético side knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League quarters in 2014 and 2016 – the only wins he boasts over Messi. “I was unlucky to share his era; otherwise I might have added titles, but he’s a spectacular player and a model of professionalism,” he smiles.
I commend Messi for his remarkable career
Godín offers a final salute: Messi’s feats are astonishing, playing his last World Cup near age 40 and reaching another final. He congratulates the legend for his club and national achievements, noting that winning a title with one’s country remains the ultimate glory.