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Lionel Messi: Lyon president Aulas taunts Barcelona star with Cristiano Ronaldo claim
LIONEL MESSI is never inspired when he plays against Lyon.
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry is great claims Ferdinand
That’s the opinion of the Ligue 1 side’s president, Jean-Michel Aulas.
Barcelona are currently on course to retain the La Liga title meaning there will be extra emphasis on the Champions League this season.
They play Lyon in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.
All eyes will be on Messi as he looks to lead the Catalans to their sixth Champions League trophy.
The Argentine has managed three goals in four matches against the French club so far and he will be looking to extend that run on Tuesday.
But Lyon president Aulas has claimed that Messi is never at his best against his side, which might come back to haunt him.
In an interview with newspaper Le Figaro, the president claimed Messi has never been “inspired” when testing himself against them.
When asked who the best opponent Lyon have faced, it was Messi’s rival Ronaldo who took the plaudits.
"Cristiano Ronaldo with Manchester United in 2004,” he said.
“We led 2-0 at half-time and after he goes back to him alone, delay, it was a rocket.
"We faced boys like [David] Beckham, Messi, even though the Argentinian was never very inspired against us.
“We hope that it will last. He may have a flu, that would be nice.”
Aulas also revealed his admiration for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claiming he is the “most charismatic” operator he has ever known and that his “frankness, education and elegance” stands out.
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio has revealed he has a plan to maintain the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
"The anti-Messi plan will be rather collective, where we will all have to respond,” he told Le Progres.
“We will have to strengthen the midfield and the pressure around Messi.
“If you do individual marking to a man like him, at some point it will make a difference."