Lionel Messi hailed a now Premier League benchwarmer's performance as the best goalkeeping display he had ever seen, claiming he was certain the keeper would join Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea
12:15, 06 Apr 2026Updated 12:21, 06 Apr 2026
Fraser Forster denies Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi ran out of superlatives for Fraser Forster(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
A Bournemouth star was once described as an "alien" by Lionel Messi after he was frustrated in a Champions League clash.
Messi was sure Fraser Forster was destined to be one of the finest shot-stoppers to have ever graced the game as Celtic stunned Barcelona during the 2012/13 Champions League. Forster was imperious, with Spanish media dubbing him "The Great Wall".
However, during Celtic's 2-1 win, the best praise for the now 38-year-old was reserved from Messi himself. "The performances of Fraser Forster against us were talked about for a long time," the Argentine wizard admitted after the game.
Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster (l) consoles Barcelona player Lionel Messi after a near miss during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Celtic and Barcelona at Celtic Park on November 7, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland.
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Celtic stunned Barcelona on that famous evening(Image: Getty)
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"There was one game in Scotland where he was not human, it is the best goalkeeping performance I have seen." Messi even expressed his belief that Forster was destined to join one of the Premier League's elite clubs.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient even admitted that his Barcelona squad discussed the possibility of bringing the shot-stopping star on board.
He added: "When Victor Valdes said he was leaving we even talked about him playing here. I was sure he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United."
Fraser Forster applauds
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Fraser Forster is now at Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
However, Forster would not be destined for Catalonia, and his career took him to the South Coast with spells at Southampton and now Bournemouth - with a brief stint at Spurs in-between.
Forster rocked up at the Vitality Stadium in January, signing on a six-month deal until the end of the season, providing back up to first choice goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic.
The keeper, who turned 38 last month, said: "The opportunity arose and, for me, it was one that I couldn't say no to.
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"I am absolutely delighted. It's happened pretty quickly but I am delighted to be here and be a part of it. I am looking forward to helping the team and the squad, and contributing however I can for the rest of the season.
"You can really see the trajectory and the ambition of the club, and I think that was a very attractive thing for me."