Messi also snubbed Sergio Ramos, who he enjoyed a fierce on-pitch rivalry with during the El Clasicos between Barcelona and Madrid, as he picked his toughest defender.

The 34-year-old named Stuttgart right-back, Pablo Maffeo, as his toughest man-marker instead.

Maffeo, who had three loan spells at Girona earned high praise from Messi for his “intense” man-marking.

“Man-marking doesn’t bother me — you know that there will be tough matches and it can be strange to always have someone around you,” Messi told DAZN

“In truth, it hasn’t happened to me that often. It doesn’t bother me, but it is strange. Pablo Maffeo of Girona [was the toughest man-marker]. That was intense!

“I’ve never been one who complains. I think physical contact and kicks are part of the game.

“I get more annoyed when I play bad and I get a little more angry. But if I’m not [playing bad], it’s not a problem, it’s part of the game and I don’t take it personally.”

Messi, who recently won his international title with Argentina will be leaving Barcelona this summer.

After many years at the club and uncertain future Barcelona gave up and have allowed the 34-year-old to go after they were not allowed to register new signings, except they cut down their wage bill.

Barcelona are currently going through all sorts of problems and have been working very hard to clear out the deadwood from the squad and make significant cuts to their bloated wage bill.

Apart from offloading players, the LaLiga giants have also asked their senior players to take pay cuts in order to help them come of their financial difficulties as quickly as possible.

And in a statement on Thursday they announced that Lionel Messi will leave the Catalan club this summer.