Messi names Premier League RESERVE goalkeeper as best shot stopper he's faced

455     0
Messi names Premier League RESERVE goalkeeper as best shot stopper he's faced
Messi names Premier League RESERVE goalkeeper as best shot stopper he's faced

LIONEL MESSI has stunned fans by naming the best performance he has ever seen from an opposition keeper.

The Argentine, 36, has bagged more than 800 goals for club and country across a legendary 19-year career.

Fraser Forster caught Lionel Messi's eye playing for Celtic against Barcelona in 2012 eiqetiqhriqhxprw
Fraser Forster caught Lionel Messi's eye playing for Celtic against Barcelona in 2012Credit: Getty
Messi scored in stoppage time but could not prevent Barcelona from losing the game
Messi scored in stoppage time but could not prevent Barcelona from losing the gameCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

But he has claimed one individual display from a keeper left him in awe.

That was from Tottenham's back-up shot-stopper Fraser Forster, 35, while he was in between the sticks for Celtic.

The Scottish giants faced Messi's Barcelona in the Champions League in 2012.

Mirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominateMirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominate

And Celtic achieved an astonishing upset as goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt handed Neil Lennon's men a 2-1 victory.

Messi netted a consolation in stoppage time but could not help Barcelona avoid the group-stage defeat.

Much of the result was down to Forster's heroics as Barcelona were left frustrated despite having 24 attempts at goal.

And Messi has now labelled that performance from the English keeper as a standout one in his career.

As reported by The Daily Star, he said: "The performances of Fraser Forster against us were talked about for a long time.

FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

"There was one game in Scotland where he was not human, it is the best goalkeeping performance I have seen.

"When Victor Valdes said he was leaving we even talked about him playing here.

"I was sure he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United."

Beckham's Inter Miami plan dealt first blow which could block Messi transferBeckham's Inter Miami plan dealt first blow which could block Messi transfer

Forster, who also impressed in the return fixture at the Nou Camp in a 2-1 loss, left Celtic for Southampton in 2014 and enjoyed eight years on the South Coast.

During that spell, he returned to Celtic on loan for the 2019/20 season.

Then last year he joined Tottenham as back-up keeper to Hugo Lloris - where he has made 20 appearances to date.

Forster has also earned six England caps but has not played for the national side since 2016.

Dylan Terry

Celtic, Barcelona, Argentina, Lionel Messi, Fraser Forster

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 22:16 • Sport
PSG made to rue extended Messi holiday in crushing loss to Ligue 1 title rivals
02.01.2023, 09:00 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo's new manager at Al-Nassr says he wanted Lionel Messi first
02.01.2023, 11:53 • Sport
PSG boss responds to fears of hostile Messi reception as return date confirmed
02.01.2023, 12:00 • Sport
Pele's last words on Instagram were touching tributes to Messi and Mbappe
02.01.2023, 15:58 • Sport
Ronaldo jets off to Saudi Arabia as unveiling plans for transfer confirmed
02.01.2023, 22:15 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Newcastle clause' in Al-Nassr contract comes to light
03.01.2023, 08:33 • Sport
Messi's wife Antonela shows support for Shakira over bitter Gerard Pique breakup
03.01.2023, 12:57 • UK News
World Cup punter claims Coral 'won't pay out' after scooping £15k on £10 bet
03.01.2023, 15:53 • Sport
Ronaldo 'hires new manager' after snubbing Jorge Mendes in £26m commission deal
03.01.2023, 14:39 • Sport
How Messi can erase Ronaldo from Champions League history books after Saudi move