I kept Lionel Messi quiet for 90 minutes in defensive masterclass, but I wish I’d faced him in his prime

Very few teams have managed to keep Lionel Messi at bay in his career, especially those in the MLS.

The Argentine superstar has been virtually unstoppable since making the move Stateside to join Inter Miami in July 2023, scoring a staggering 34 goals in 39 games in all competitions.

While he was unable to clinch MLS glory after defeat in the play-offs, Messi enjoyed a stunning individual campaign in 2024.

The 37-year-old netted 20 goals in just 19 games to help Miami top the Eastern Conference, as they recorded the highest points total in MLS history.

His goalscoring exploits saw him finish as the league's joint-second highest scorer in the regular season, alongside strike partner Luis Suarez.

Despite forming part of a free-scoring attack in Florida however, one team proved to be a thorn in Messi's side last term.

Back in September, both he and Suarez were left frustrated when Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by New York City FC, with neither player managing to score or assist.

English coach Nick Cushing was the man behind the defensive masterclass that day, and he has now revealed just how he succeeded where so many have failed.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.com, Cushing said: “There are some real high level players over in America, but obviously Messi is on the next level. 

“My approach to that game was always: 'I don't believe that you can have an individual plan for the best'. I think the best are the best because there is no plan.

"That sort of game tests your team's mentality, tests your overall plan and idea.

“For me, it was about trying to control the space he works in, trying to control the individual moments he gets, trying to control the areas of the pitch that he gets the ball in.

"In particular, in that game, we were really aggressive in being a high-pressing team just to try and keep him away from our goal."

Despite the hugely impressive feat, Cushing remained humble as he explained how his side shut out the football icon.

He went on: “There is also an element of luck, right? You've got to hope that the best player in the world has a little bit of an off day."

The 40-year-old added: "So, yes, it was more of a team plan than an individual plan of stopping him.”

But with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner one of football's all-time greats, Cushing was forced to put his personal admiration for Messi to one side as he prepared for the game.

He said: “I think the initial period is when you're doing the game plans, you have to separate that 2 per cent of fanning when you're doing the game plan and you write his name on the board.

“But actually, the reality is we want to win football games and I want to put myself against the best in the world.

“So, when you're there, it's about just focusing and being logical, trying to plan and after it, when you get results, of course, you're happy because you know you've come up against somebody that is almost imprinted on the history of the game.”

And while most coaches would be thrilled to keep the World Cup winner at bay at any stage in his career, Cushing revealed he would have relished an even bigger challenge.

The former Manchester City Women manager said: “Although you're playing against him, it is a joy to watch when you're there and you see this guy play.

“I just wish I had gone up against him when he was in his prime because he's Messi, right?