Carragher lists the five hardest opponents in his career, Messi is second, without Ronaldo

As Liverpool's legendary defender, Jamie Carragher has fought against the greatest stars of a generation in his brilliant career. Therefore, when he selected the strongest five people he had ever faced, the weight of this list was self-evident.

Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo is not on this list.

No. 5: Paul Maldini

AC Milan's legendary captain, one of the best defenders in history. Carragher was full of awe of him. "Before the 2005 Champions League final, he mentioned me in an interview. I thought, " Oh my God, Maldini knows who I am!" recalled Carragher. After that Miracle Night in Istanbul, he also obtained Maldini's jersey as a trophy from Milan's infatuated locker room.

No. 4: John Terry

Chelsea's captain, leader, legend. As a great central defender of his contemporaries and contender for England, Carragher gave the highest evaluation of this lifelong enemy: "To me, he is the best central defender in the Premier League era. To be honest, he is basically my upgrade."

3: Xavi

Barcelona's brain. For the Tiki-Taka controller, Carragher's comment was simple and straightforward: "I think he is the greatest midfielder I can think of. He was the best player in the years when Spain and Barcelona dominated the world."

Second place: Lionel Messi

Although he only met twice early in his career, it was enough to make Carragher regard him as a god. "We faced the Champions League champion Barcelona in 2006. Messi was on the right, Ronaldo was on the left, and Etoo was in the middle. That was a trident! Messi was definitely a god."

First place: Thierry Henry

In Carragher's heart, the undisputed first place was the Arsenal king who made him have nightmares.

"I think most people will agree that he is the greatest player in Premier League history," Carragher said. "Argent in that era, I still think it is the strongest team I have ever played against - even if I have faced AC Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona."

"He is amazing, and he is definitely the hardest player I have ever encountered."