Lionel Messi: Patrice Evra claimed James Milner was a tougher opponent than PSG star in 2019

Former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra once claimed that Liverpool‘s James Milner was a tougher opponent than Lionel Messi. 

When thinking of players that would give defenders a tough time, Milner is probably not the first name that springs to mind. 

However, according to Evra, defending Milner was the toughest task he faced during his career, not Messi. 

The Frenchman made the statement during an appearance on Monday Night Football and even went as far as claiming he could “deal with” the Argentinian. 

Evra explained: “I played against Messi many times, in the wide position, I wouldn’t say he’s easy to mark but I could deal with him.

“When he goes more central – that’s when he’s more dangerous because he can turn on the right and left.”

Evra’s position as a left-back meant that Messi was no longer his concern once the magician moved to a more central position. But clearly, the former United man believes he coped well when the PSG star was playing down his side. 

However, there were at least a few battles between the two players that make Evra’s comments look a bit silly, to say the least. 

One such occasion was during a Champions League match in 2008 when the little magician flicked the ball over Evra as he dived in for a tackle and left him for dead. 

Evra: "I played against Messi many times in the wide position, and I won’t say he’s easy to mark, but I could deal with him"Also Evra: pic.twitter.com/V8UZWDPQPi

Pretty embarrassing stuff for the full-back, and that wasn’t the only time. Messi also left the Frenchman in his dust moments before David Villa’s goal in the 2011 Champions League final.

Did you really have to ask?? pic.twitter.com/9Vhg9w2cbk

It seems Evra must have a selective memory when it comes to the