The legendary Italian centre-half faced many world-class talents in his playing days, but the Argentine superstar posed plenty of problems
Alessandro Nesta was a World Cup-winning centre-half in his heyday, with the iconic Italian lining up against some of the very best forwards in the business - but even he admits to being "mentally destroyed" after facing Lionel Messi.
One of the finest defenders to ever grace the game found himself up against the Argentine superstar for AC Milan in Champions League clashes with Barcelona in 2011-12.
Nesta was 37 years of age by that point while Messi was at the peak of his powers in a 73-goal season, and the legendary defender admits being nudged a step closer to retirement by the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.