Former Barcelona defender reveals training rule involving Lionel Messi: “Sounds crazy, but it’s true” | OneFootball

Former Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo has said that there was a rule in training during his time with the Blaugrana that no one was allowed to touch Lionel Messi.

He said that while this might sound absurd, it is only logical to implement the rule since he is the best player in the world and you would not want to hurt the best player.

“In Barcelona, they didn’t allow us to touch Messi in training. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. We had to be careful,” he explained in an interview for Ligue 1 Show (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“It’s normal, he’s the best, you don’t want to hurt him. It was logical,” he added.

Todibo was only 19-year-old when he signed for Barcelona back in 2019 from Toulouse on a free transfer.

The Barça technical management took notice of the present Nice player for his notable physical stature standing at 6’2”, along with his versatility and his technique in skillfully retrieving the ball from defensive positions.

Todibo with Messi in Ligue 1. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite the limited success of the defender within the Barça club, featuring in only five games, this stint provided him with valuable opportunities to train alongside and learn from the seasoned stars of Barça.

Todibo still a valuable asset for Barcelona

Despite leaving Barcelona in February 2021 on a permanent transfer, after spending a couple of seasons on loan with Schalke, Benfica, and Nice, the 23-year-old remains a valuable asset for the team from Catalonia as they have reserved 20% of his future sale.

At present, the defender is said to be valued at €30 million and if reports are to be believed, Premier League side Manchester United have in on their radar for the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are said to be preparing an offer worth €8.5 million and if the deal goes through, Nice will be liable to pay Barcelona a sum of €1.7 million.