Frank Lampard snubbed Lionel Messi when naming the 'toughest opponent' of his Chelsea career

Frank Lampard has named the toughest opponent that he faced during his time at Chelsea, and it isn't Lionel Messi.

After joining in 2001 from London rivals West Ham United, Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea and quickly established himself as one of the greatest players ever to wear the badge.

During his time with the Blues, the midfielder faced off against some of the very best ever to play football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Messi.

However, when asked who was the hardest opponent he ever faced while playing for Chelsea, he snubbed all three as he instead named another shock player.

While appearing on The Overlap, Lampard was asked by ex-England teammate Gary Neville who the most challenging player he had ever to come up against was, and the Chelsea midfielder showed no hesitation in his answer.

“Iniesta,” Lampard quickly replied. “He could go either way on you.

“Not many midfield players who play in that central area wanted to take you on so much.

“They want to pass or could run, I played with great players, Stevie G, physically brilliant, but some of the times he’d open up on you and he could take you either way, it meant you couldn't get near him.

“Him and Xavi when they played in that team were something else.”

Throughout Lampard’s prime, Chelsea maintained a heated rivalry with Barcelona as both teams dominated the Champions League.

But despite the Barcelona side being made up of players like Messi, Ronaldinho and Xavi, it was Iniesta that intimidated Lampard the most.

Frank Lampard named Andres Iniesta as his toughest-ever opponent. (Image: Getty)

The Spaniard made over 650 appearances for Barcelona during his 24 year career, scoring 57 goals and assisting an incredible 135.

During this time, Andres Iniesta a breathtaking 32 trophies with the Spanish giants, including nine La Liga and four Champions League titles.

Internationally, Iniesta made 131 appearances for Spain, scoring 14 goals and assisting 30 during a national career that culminated in him winning the 2010 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Lampard won 11 trophies with Chelsea, including three Premier Leagues and one Champions League title, during 611 appearances for the club.

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