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Former Atletico Madrid defender Felipe Luis offered intriguing insights into Diego Simeone's approach to handle Lionel Messi during their clashes in La Liga. Despite Simeone's meticulous strategies to stifle Messi's impact, the football maestro's brilliance often prevailed against Los Rojiblancos.
In a revealing statement to MARCA, quoted by Football Espana, Felipe Luis highlighted Simeone's tactics against Messi, stating, “At Atletico Madrid, Simeone put four players on Messi! So when he scored, it was not one player’s fault. It was just Messi.” This insight sheds light on Simeone's defensive scheme, emphasizing a collective effort to thwart Messi's influence on the game.
Throughout Messi's tenure in La Liga, his encounters against Atletico Madrid stood out. Transfermarkt records reveal Messi's remarkable track record against Atletico, securing 24 wins, 11 draws, and only 8 losses across all competitions, with an astounding tally of 32 goals in 43 matches. This exceptional record solidified Atletico Madrid as one of Messi's preferred adversaries during his time in Spain.
However, what made Simeone's approach more intriguing was Luis's revelation regarding Simeone's nomenclature for Messi. Luis disclosed, “Before the games against Barcelona, Simeone never used Messi’s name. He always called him ‘the dwarf’, so we would not be afraid of him when we were in front of him.” This unique moniker, ‘the dwarf,' reflects Simeone's psychological strategy to alleviate fear among the Atletico Madrid players and perhaps diminish the aura surrounding Messi.
Despite the concerted efforts and Simeone's tactical adjustments, Messi's genius often transcended defensive barriers, showcasing his unparalleled talent and influence on the field. The duels between Atletico Madrid and Messi-led Barcelona not only marked intense football rivalries but also hinted at the unparalleled challenge presented by one of the greatest footballers of all time.
