Nigeria international, Ramon Azeez, has named Argentina and Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, as the most difficult footballer he has ever faced in his career.

In a chat with The PUNCH, Azeez admitted it is easier to mark Juventus and Portugal star, Cristiano Ronaldo, in a game than Messi because he is invincible anytime he takes flight.

The Granada midfielder, who spent last season on loan to Cartagena said, “I have faced a lot of players and in La Liga. I have played against Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and so many of them, but I can tell you that the toughest player that I have ever come across in my entire career is Messi.

“Everybody knows what Messi is capable of doing. There are times you feel he is not on the pitch and another minute he makes things happen. Also, I can tell you that it is easy to take Ronaldo out of a game but you can’t do that to Messi because he is always difficult to stop.”

Azeez expressed optimism that his club would be better next season having missed out on the chance to play in a spot in Europe by finishing ninth on the La Liga table.

He added, “We are confident of making it to Europe next season, we just have to prepare ourselves very well the way we usually do and I think with the quality of players we have we can make things happen next season.”

Speaking about his future, Azeez said, “At the moment I am still a Granada player but in football and during the transfer window, a lot can happen. For now, I just want to focus on the task at hand and help my team when the season starts.”