Wojciech Szczesny names the only player he was ‘actually scared’ to play against

Wojciech Szczesny has named the only player he was ‘actually scared’ to play against.

The former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, currently at Barcelona, has come up against some of the best players in the world during almost 15 years at the top level.

But the 34-year-old says Lionel Messi was the one player he was ‘always scared’ to play against.

Messi, of course, is considered one of the greatest players of all time and is the most decorated player in the history of professional football having lifted 45 trophies.

In his 17-year spell with Barcelona, Messi scored a staggering 672 goals in 778 games, winning ten La Liga titles and the Champions League four times.

He bagged eight Ballon d’Or awards during that period and enjoyed more success with Argentina, winning the World Cup in Qatar after lifting his first international trophy – the Copa America – in 2021.

Messi, now 37, is winding down his career at MLS club Inter Miami after he spent two years at Paris Saint-Germain following his emotional departure from Barca.

‘I was always scared to play against Leo,’ Szczesny told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

‘There are probably other players who have scored more against me. But he was the only one I was actually afraid to play against. Because he was that good.’

Szczesny also said his penalty save against Messi during the Qatar World Cup was ‘the most satisfying’ of his career.

‘The best or the biggest? That changes,’ the ex-Poland international added.

‘The most satisfying save was Messi’s penalty in the World Cup, but it wasn’t the best save in my career. The stadium and the rival made that moment very special for me.’

Szczesny made 181 appearances for Arsenal and helped the Gunners win two FA Cups before he was signed by Juventus in 2017 as a long-term replacement for legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The Pole lifted three Serie A titles and five domestic trophies in Turin before being released by Juventus at the end of last season, a decision that led Szczesny to announce his retirement.

But Szczesny came out of retirement a month later after being approached by Barcelona, who needed a new goalkeeper after losing Marc-Andre ter Stegen to a serious knee injury.

Discussing his surprising move to the Nou Camp, Szczesny said: ‘When I received the call from Barca, when it became a reality, it felt different.

‘The privilege I feel to wear this shirt is what made me change my mind, and nothing else. I don’t think I would have done it for another club. It was probably fate.’

Barcelona have made a superb start to the season under Hansi Flick, winning eight of their opening nine league games to climb to the top of La Liga.

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