Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone had a special nickname that he used for Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona.
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Simeone's nickname for Messi revealedAtletico boss wouldn't use superstar's real nameDidn't want players to be afraid before gamesWHAT HAPPENED?
Simeone faced Lionel Messi on many occasions during his time at Barcelona which led the Atletico boss to come up with a nickname for the Argentina international. Former Atletico defender Filipe Luis has revealed how Simeone tried his best to stop the Barcelona star and what he used to call the forward in the Atletico dressing room.
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He told : "At Atleti, Simeone put four players on Messi! So when he scored, it was not one player’s fault, it was just Messi. Before the games against Barcelona, Simeone never used Messi’s name. He always called him ‘the dwarf’, so when we were in front of him, we would not be afraid of him.”
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Simeone's attempts to stop Messi were often in vain as the Argentine seemed to thrive against the Rojiblancos. Messi scored 32 goals in 42 games against Atletico, ensuring the team from Madrid were one of his favourite victims in La Liga. Of course, Simeone no longer has to figure out a way of stopping Messi as he's now with Inter Miami in MLS.
(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi is currently enjoying a break as it's the offseason in MLS and he won't return to action until 2024. However, the icon has been spotted working out at the 'Glute Lab' with wife Antonela Roccuzzo in a bid to maintain his fitness levels. Messi and Miami are due back to work in January and will play a first pre-season friendly against El Salvador.