According to Jean-Clair Todibo, special regulations were implemented during his time at Barcelona to safeguard Lionel Messi. During his 17-year tenure at Barcelona, where he broke records for appearances, goals, and assists, Messi was an untouchable figure.
Todibo, who was at Camp Nou from 2019 to 2021, claims that the Argentine, who recently won his eighth Ballon d’Or title, was granted special protection. “At Barcelona, they didn’t allow us to touch Messi in training. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. We had to be careful,” he told MARCA. “But that’s normal, he’s the best, and you don’t want to hurt him,” he added.
Lionel Messi was off limits ❌ pic.twitter.com/pfvJUhAmgD
— GOAL (@goal) December 3, 2023
Todibo is having a great season with Nice, while Messi is currently playing in the Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, where rumors suggest fellow former Barcelona great Luis Suarez may soon join him. Having played some of his brilliant soccer this season, the Frenchman has earned his first cap for his country and his team is currently placed 2nd on the Ligue 1 table.
Also, Todibo has been drawing interest from teams in the transfer market. Manchester United is reportedly keen to sign the center-back. It remains to be seen what happens with Todibo’s future in the next few months as many clubs are lining up for his signature.
Jean-Clair Todibo opens up on his stint at FC Barcelona
Alongside Lionel Messi, Todibo played for two years at the Nou Camp before he left the Spanish side. The Frenchman had a rough experience in Spain, playing for Barcelona only four times before going on loan to Schalke, Benfica, and OG Nice.
However, things have improved recently, as Todibo is still attracting the attention of numerous Premier League teams following yet another successful season on the Cote d’Azur. He is just 23 years old and has a lot of time to develop and turn himself into a star centerback.
Jean Clair Todibo’s Stats from his last season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/sZ9ycAJXF5
— Stucaz (@Sakutax2) August 2, 2023
Jean-Clair Todibo opened up on his stint at FC Barcelona, he said, “Nobody pushed me to leave Toulouse to go to Barcelona, nobody pushed me to make mistakes, I made them like a big boy. Today, that’s what makes me the man I am and the player I am. I’m very proud of them and very happy even if I would have preferred not to have made them.”
Manchester United appears to be the most recent team to express interest in the towering center-back, who has contributed to Nice having one of the best defensive records in all of European football this year. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of Nice, is expected to acquire more than a 25% minority position in Manchester United, making it likely that Todibo would move to Old Trafford.