Nesta, even at the age of twilight, can make a young Messi hit the ground

 Camp Nou, 13 September 2011. Barcelona host AC Milan on the inaugural matchday of Group H of the 2011/12 Champions League. In the match that ended in a 2-2 draw, the Lionel Messi vs Alessandro Nesta duel became one of the main dishes.

Barcelona at that time had a much more qualified squad than Milan. However, despite playing at home, Barcelona failed to win. One of the reasons was the absence of goals from Messi, who throughout the game was kept quiet in Nesta's care.

On one occasion, Messi got a golden opportunity. With his dribble, Messi penetrated the Milan defense and continued to approach the goal. However, just as the Argentine star was ready for a late finish, Nesta saved it with a perfect tackle that was calculatively launched from La Pulga 's dead corner .

Messi hit the ground many times. Messi doesn't seem to understand how he can be thwarted by a player who is 11 years older than him. Yes, Messi was 25 at that time, while Nesta was 36.

Even more special, Nesta made the last-ditch tackle in the penalty box and executed with minimal contact to avoid a foul.

Barcelona 2-2 AC Milan

Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Sergio Busquets, Abidal; Xavi, Keita, Iniesta; Pedro Rordirguez, Messi, David Villa.

Coach: Josep Guardiola.

AC Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Abate; Seedorf, Van Bommel, Nocerino; Boateng; Cassano, Pato.

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri.

Goals:

01' 0-1 Pato

36' 1-1 Pedro Rodriguez

50' 2-1 David Villa

92' 2-2 Thiago Silva.