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Dixon hails 'special' Messi

Image: Messi: Impressed Dixon

Paul Dixon has admitted he could not get close to Lionel Messi in Dundee United's friendly against Barcelona.

Dundee United defender praises Argentine

Paul Dixon has admitted he considered kicking Lionel Messi in Dundee United's pre-season friendly against Barcelona but could not get close enough. The Argentine forward was in stunning form on Saturday as he netted a hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-1 victory over United. Dixon concedes that Messi was far too quick for him and comfortably the best player he has ever faced. However, the Scottish defender was inspired by the experience and hopes it can help him to improve. "I thought about giving Messi a wee kick at one point but, to be honest, I couldn't get near enough to even try," Dixon said in the Daily Record. "There was one time I saw the ball in front of me and thought I could nick it off him but by the time I put my foot in, he'd whipped it away and was so far down the line I could hardly see him. "I've never played against a player like that in my life before - he is something really, really special. "On the face of it, it was a bit of a nightmare but you've got to appreciate his ability and it has just made me more determined to improve and play against someone like that again."

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