Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers in history and has made his mark on many teams throughout his career. However, it seems that Monaco might have been the team where he truly found his true calling as a defender.

In the summer of 2011, Messi joined Monaco on loan from Barcelona for the season. He immediately made an impact and quickly became a key player for the club. His defensive work was particularly impressive, with him being named the Ligue 1 Defender of the Year in his first season at the club.

One of the most notable moments of his time at Monaco was when he scored a goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. This goal was not only significant for his individual achievement but also for the way he defended against some of the best strikers in Europe.

However, it wasn't just his defensive skills that caught the attention of fans. Golovin's number of tackles highlighted another aspect of Messi's game - his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions.

Golovin, who played alongside Messi at Monaco, said that he admired Messi's defensive work ethic. "He never gives up, even if he's outnumbered," Golovin said. "He's always looking for the ball and willing to do whatever it takes to win."

Messi's dedication to defense is evident in his overall performance on the pitch. He is known for his incredible dribbling skills, but he is equally adept at defending. He has won numerous awards for his performances, including the Ballon d'Or award three times.

Overall, Lionel Messi's time at Monaco was a success story. Not only did he help the club achieve success on the field, but he also showed that he could be a valuable asset to any team.

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