In a recent interview with the Ligue 1 Show, OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo opened up about his time at FC Barcelona, particularly his experiences training alongside one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi. Todibo, who joined Barcelona in 2019 and spent time with the first team, shared an intriguing insight into the unique precautions taken during training sessions to protect the legendary Argentine forward.

Todibo revealed that during his time at Barcelona, there was an unwritten rule among the players: "We weren't allowed to touch Messi during training." This statement might sound surprising or even unbelievable to many, but as Todibo explained, it was a reflection of Messi's unparalleled importance to the team. "It sounds crazy, but it's true," he said, recalling the atmosphere of awe and respect that surrounded Messi at the club.

The Messi Rule: A Reflection of His Value

Messi’s status at Barcelona was not just that of a star player but an irreplaceable asset, someone who needed to be protected at all costs. Todibo explained that this rule was not merely about treating Messi with kid gloves but about ensuring that he was in peak condition for the matches that mattered most. "We had to be very careful," Todibo said, emphasizing that the priority was to avoid any unnecessary risks that could result in an injury to Messi.

This precautionary approach is understandable when considering Messi's impact on the team. As arguably the best player in the world, Messi’s presence on the pitch was crucial to Barcelona's success. His ability to change the course of a game with a moment of brilliance meant that he needed to be fully fit and available for every important match. A training ground injury to Messi could have had severe consequences for Barcelona, both in terms of results and morale.

Todibo's understanding of this special treatment is a testament to the high regard in which Messi was held by his teammates and the coaching staff. "I completely understood this request, it’s normal because Messi is the best player. You don’t want to hurt him," Todibo added. His words highlight the collective responsibility felt by everyone at Barcelona to protect their most valuable player.

Training with a Legend

For a young player like Todibo, training with Messi was an incredible experience, one that few footballers are fortunate enough to have. Being in the same team as Messi provided a unique opportunity to observe and learn from a player whose talent and work ethic were unmatched. Todibo's reflections on his time at Barcelona give us a glimpse into what it’s like to be in the presence of such greatness on a daily basis.

Messi’s influence extended beyond just his performances on the field; his approach to training was also something that left a lasting impression on his teammates. Todibo, like many others, would have witnessed Messi’s dedication to his craft, his attention to detail, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. These qualities not only set Messi apart but also served as an example for younger players looking to make their mark at the club.

The Respect Messi Commanded

The rule about not touching Messi in training is also indicative of the respect he commanded at Barcelona. His teammates understood that Messi was not just any player; he was the heartbeat of the team, the one who could make the difference in the most challenging situations. This respect was mutual, as Messi himself was known for his humility and his willingness to help younger players integrate into the team.

For Todibo, the experience of training with Messi was undoubtedly a learning curve, one that would have shaped his development as a player. The discipline required to train alongside someone of Messi’s caliber, and the understanding of what it takes to reach the highest levels of the sport, are lessons that Todibo has likely carried with him throughout his career.

Reflecting on a Unique Experience

Jean-Clair Todibo’s reflections on his time at Barcelona offer a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a club that has been home to some of the greatest players in football history. His anecdotes about Messi underscore the extraordinary nature of training with a player who is widely regarded as the best in the world.

While Todibo’s time at Barcelona was relatively brief, the experiences and lessons he gained during that period are invaluable. Training with Messi, even under the unique restrictions that came with it, was an opportunity to witness first-hand what makes a footballer truly exceptional.

In conclusion, Todibo’s comments remind us of the reverence that Lionel Messi commanded at Barcelona and the lengths to which the club went to protect their most prized asset. For any footballer, the chance to train alongside Messi is a privilege, and for Todibo, it was an experience that has left a lasting impression.