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Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale were two of the most fearsome attackers of the 2010s, but Muhamed Besic was confident he could handle them. The former Everton man made this claim shortly after his time with the English side came to an end.
Besic ended up playing only 56 times for the Toffees between 2014 and 2021, which included him going on loan to Middlesbrough (2018-19) and Sheffield United (2019-20). He failed to find his best level on loan and was released in 2021, after which he revealed to ECHO that the defensive midfielder could handle both Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale when fit.
“I played against Messi and Bale and they want to go one-on-one, I like this. Because if I am fit, they cannot go past me. Impossible.”
Messi was at the top of his game when he led Argentina during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and ended up winning the Golden Ball. The forward had, however, faced a tough introduction to the tournament as his side took on Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening game. In midfield for the tournament debutants was a certain Besic, who expertly shackled Messi for all of 65 minutes before he scored.
The performance of the relatively unknown Muhamed Besic against Lionel Messi on the biggest stage prompted Everton to spend £4 million to sign him from Ferencvaros. Then-manager Roberto Martinez saw the midfielder as what he needed to add steel to his midfield, and he delivered until injuries struck.
Besic faced Gareth Bale in the colors of his country, as well, when they faced Wales in qualifying for Euro 2016. The midfielder put on a quality display for his country, particularly doing well against Bale.
Now 32 years old, Muhamed Besic is without a club, having last been on the books of Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros before he was released this summer. As per Turkish sports website Fanatik, the Bosnian midfielder was on the radar of Turkish side Konyaspor this summer and could move before the transfer window shuts on September 18.
Former LaLiga star emulates Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale with MLS move
Former LaLiga star Oscar Ustari has completed a transfer to Inter Miami, emulating Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale. The Argentine goalkeeper will provide depth and competition in the Inter Miami squad for the rest of the 2024 season.
Formerly of Getafe and Almeria in Spain, Ustari has followed in the footsteps of former Argentina teammate Messi by signing with the Herons. The goalkeeper will provide cover for Drake Callender at the Chase Stadium as his side pursues the MLS Cup.
A two-cap Argentina international, Ustari joins as a free agent and will occupy an international roster slot. The 38-year-old played alongside Messi at U-20 and U-23 levels, and was an unused member in the senior squad to the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
