Barcelona players ‘weren’t allowed to touch’ Lionel Messi during training as ‘crazy’ rules revealed by former Blaugrana star

Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nice defender, disclosed a peculiar training ground rule during his time at the Catalan club. Todibo, initially considered a rising star upon joining Barcelona in 2019, could not find his feet at the club and was subsequently loaned to Schalke 04, Benfica, and Nice, before securing a permanent deal with the Ligue 1 outfit in 2021. Nonetheless, during his limited time at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, he watched Messi train from close quarters and in a recent talk show he spoke about the extraordinary measures that the club took to protect their talisman from getting injured.

Speaking to the Ligue 1 Show (via Marca), Todibo disclosed: "At Barcelona, we weren't allowed to touch Leo Messi in training. It sounds crazy, but it's true. We had to be careful. It's normal, he's the best, you don't want to hurt him."

Todibo could make just five appearances for Barcelona. However, the defender is finally realising his potential with Nice and the Eaglets have conceded just four times in 13 matches in Ligue 1 this campaign. In fact, they conceded three times in their defeat to PSG which means, Todibo and Co have let in just once in 12 matches.

Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after the club failed to hand him his desired contract, citing financial challenges. During his stay at Camp Nou, he won a club-record 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles and the UEFA Champions League four times.

Messi is currently on a break from football and will return to action in February 2024 with Inter Miami when the new MLS season kicks off. Whereas, Todibo will be in action against Nantes in Ligue 1 away from home. His brilliant form has drawn attention from several European elites including Manchester United who are looking to shore up their defence in the winter transfer window.