Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger explains why Man City hitman Erling Haaland is a tougher opponent for him than Argentina and Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi

The Real Madrid and Germany international defender explained why he finds it more difficult to defend against Manchester City goal machine Haaland than Argentina legend and Inter Miami star Messi.

He also stated that facing tough opponents on the pitch works as an extra motivation for him.

Speaking to reporters, the 30-year-old said, "Defending against tough opponents? It is what I live for. Those are the moments I love – when all odds are against you when everyone talks against you. This is how it was with Haaland. I live for those moments.

"It is tough to defend against tall players like [Erling] Haaland or [Victor] Osimhen, but I prefer to play against players of this height – rather than players of the height like [Lionel] Messi for example."

The last time Rudiger faced the Norwegian forward was in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final clash between Los Blancos and the Cityzens. The match ended in a 1-1 draw at Santiago Bernabeu with Haaland unable to find the back of the net.

In the second leg, Rudiger was brought in as a substitute in the 63rd minute while Haaland was subbed off by Pep Guardiola in the 89th minute. The Sky Blues registered a thumping 4-0 win at Etihad Stadium and booked their berth in the final.

The former Chelsea player is a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup in the ongoing season having appeared in 21 matches across all competitions. He will be next seen in action for the league leaders against Villarreal on Sunday in La Liga.