Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the infamous moment Lionel Messi outfoxed him and headed home in the Champions League final back in 2009.
Messi is facing Manchester United again this evening at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of this season's competition, with Ferdinand on hand for BT Sport punditry duties.
The Argentinian is still the leading light for Barcelona and naturally pre-match discussions with Ferdinand brought up the classic looping header Messi provided ten years ago.
Messi escaped the attention of Ferdinand to head home Xavi's cross past Edwin van der Sar as Barcelona completed a 2-0 win in the Champions League final, with Ferdinand revealing the mistake he made in that moment.
"It's something which has haunted me for years. I cannot believe we are talking about this now," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"I gambled on Xavi not being able to beat me at the front post. I thought the quality wouldn't quite be there. You've got to know your players.
"But no, the best players rise to the big occasions and Messi has done that time and time again."
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