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During his time at Barcelona, the eight time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has revealed the one Premier League club that the team hated the most more than their arch-rivals Real Madrid. Messi won four UEFA Champions League during his time with the Blaugrana as he won the player of the match during the 2011 finals against Manchester United.
On a regular basis, Messi would face off against Premier League rivals in Europe but there is one such instance which took place back in 2005, about which the Argentine has bitter memories. It was his second season as a professional footballer.
Lionel Messi reveals the Premier League club Barcelona hated the most
The then 17-year-old Lionel Messi didn't take part in the clash against Chelsea which was won by the Premier League side 4-2. They secured a comprehensive victory over Frank Rijkaard's Barca as they progressed through to the quarter final stages of the Champions League.
Chelsea's manager, Jose Mourinho was furious with the referee Anders Frisk who sent of Didier Drogba in the first leg as the second leg was full of drama. A year down the line, both the teams were once again meeting in the round of 16 clash. This is when Lionel Messi made sure he shared his thought on the matter.
There are players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid. I never thought I would hear myself say that. I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil vs Argentina. But this is, Messi said.
We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea, Messi added.
Lionel Messi proved to be more than enough for Chelsea that night as the former took his revenge at Stamford Bridge giving Barca a much deserved 2-1 victory after going behind in the second half.
Rijkaard's side managed to take down a depleted 10-men Arsenal in the finals of the UEFA Champions League to secure yet another European title. Though Messi was not part of the final in Paris as he suffered a horrific injury during the victory over Chelsea.
A decision Lionel Messi regrets from his career
During the 2-1 victory over Chelsea, Messi was part of a horrific tackle from Asier del Horno. He then later revealed a decision that he made post-match which till date he still regrets.
I'm sorry I didn't [go out, to celebrate with my team-mates]. Until my injury, I participated in every Champions League game in my career. I was disappointed. I deeply regret that episode. We won that Champions League and I was not sure what would happen again, because it is a difficult competition to win, Messi concluded.
