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Former England international striker Jamie Vardy has recalled his experience of playing against Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, describing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as a player who was simply different from others he had faced.
Vardy, who also came up against Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during his career, said Messi’s ability to control and manipulate the ball left him and his teammates struggling to find a way to stop him.
According to the former Leicester City striker, he found himself watching Messi on the pitch because of the Argentine’s extraordinary close control and ability to keep the ball seemingly glued to his feet.
Vardy said Messi’s performance was so impressive that, rather than dwell on the difficulty of playing against him, he simply acknowledged the Argentine’s brilliance after the game.
He said …
“I’ve played against Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi is different. I was on the pitch just looking at him. The ball was like a magnet to his feet, and there was nothing we could do to stop him. I just told him, ‘Well done.’”
Vardy’s comments underline the widespread admiration Messi has received from players who have faced him throughout his career, particularly for his close control, dribbling ability and capacity to influence a game even when opponents attempt to limit his space.
Watch video below …
“l’ve played against Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi is different. I was on the pitch just looking at him. The ball was like a magnet to his feet, and there was nothing we could do to stop him. I just told him, ‘Well done.”
-Jamie Vardy pic.twitter.com/Prjm5LPION
— Oyindamola
(@dammiedammie35) September 13, 2026