Top 10 favourite opponents of Lionel Messi

The Argentine is regarded as one of the greatest to ever grace the game

A legendary player, Lionel Messi has preyed on almost every team he has faced in his career, scoring over 600 goals in the club career, of which most of them came during his time at FC Barcelona. When a 16-year-old Rosario boy made his FC Barcelona debut in 2006, no one would have imagined he would become a sensational player and arguably the greatest player of his generation. 

In spite of the fact that Messi currently plays in the French League with PSG, his name is etched in gold in Spanish football history. Especially few Spanish clubs took a sigh of relief when the Argentine decided to leave the Spanish league and move on to the next chapter. Clubs like Real Madrid and Sevilla have always been Messi's victims whenever Barcelona played them.

Let's today look at the top 10 clubs against which Messi has scored the most goals.

10. Getafe CF- 21 goals

Getafe CF have been a bottom-feeder club in LaLiga in the past and has often moved between the second division and the first division. Despite not playing against them many times, Messi always turned up to the challenge every time he saw Getafe. The Argentine has scored 21 goals against them despite not having many appearances against them.

9. Levante UD- 24 goals

With a long and rich history, Levante UD is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Spanish football. However, Levante have lost its aura over the last few decades and has shifted between the second and first divisions constantly. As a result of finishing 19th last season, they are currently playing in the second division, but Lionel Messi never let them feel comfortable against him. He has scored 24 goals against them.

8. Espanyol- 25 goals

Espanyol are a Catalonia-based club and their rivalry with FC Barcelona goes decades back and one which is a sure shot for every fan to watch. Messi is a man of the big occasion and 'El derbi barceloní' bought the best out of FC Barcelona's main man. The Argentine never disappointed FC Barcelona fans in a battle of bragging rights against their neighbors. Messi has 25 goals against Espanyol.

7. Osasuna- 25 goals

When Lionel Messi was at FC Barcelona, Osasuna were another one of his constant victims. Messi scored 25 goals against them. Osasuna tried various strategies against Messi but was never able to stop him. With an astonishing 1.14 goal-per-match ratio, Messi scored 25 goals against them in just 22 games.

6. Real Betis- 26 goals

In the Spanish top division, Real Betis are known as one of the meanest clubs. Messi, however, did not let them take an easy breath during their encounters. Messi scored 26 goals against them in only 24 games. He rose to the occasion against them, one of Betis' worst nightmares. Against them, the Argentine scored with a 1.08 goals ratio per match.

5. Real Madrid- 26 goals

The name Lionel Messi is infamous among Real Madrid fans who hated him during his time at FC Barcelona. Despite being arguably the biggest rivalry in the world, the Argentine always appeared in peak form when faced with Real Madrid. Messi has scored 26 goals against them over the course of 47 appearances against them and with an impressive 0.55 goal-per-match ratio.

4. Athletic Bilbao- 29 goals

Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona have been involved in some classic encounters in the last decade and Lionel Messi was a crucial name in those matches. Barcelona has a good record over Bilbao and it was mainly due to the brilliance of Lionel Messi. The Argentine has 29 goals against them in 41 games. 

3. Valencia CF- 31 goals

Despite their hiccup this season, Valencia has always been one of the best clubs in the Spanish Division, competing for Champions League spots every year. Although Valencia has always been hard to crack, Messi has easily dismantled their defense whenever he has come up against them. Messi scored 31 goals against Valencia in 36 appearances.

2. Atletico Madrid- 32 goals

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid has been Messi's favourite hunting team. Atletico Madrid are considered one of the world's best defensive teams and a defense that requires impeccable brilliance to beat. While Diego Simeone and his team faced this challenge, Messi always rose to the challenge and was the most villainous player. In 43 appearances, he scored 32 goals.

1. Sevilla FC- 38 goals

Now we have the best hunting club for Messi. Sevilla has been the biggest victim of Messi's magic. In 43 appearances, Messi scored 38 goals against them, with an impressive goal-per-match ratio of 0.88. Despite being one of the top teams in the league, Sevilla has suffered from Messi's carnage the most.