Arsenal have done battle with Lionel Messi a few times through the years, with the forward often showing why he has been dubbed as the “Greatest of All Time”.
The serial winner took on the Gunners six times in the Champions League during his time at Barcelona – where he won four, drew one and lost one of those head-to-heads.
With nine goals and two assists to his name in those encounters, Lionel Messi has been a thorn in the side of Arsenal through the years.
In the prevailing seasons since, the Argentinian has moved to PSG and then Inter Miami, where he is seemingly playing out the twilight of his career.
While he is still featuring in the MLS, Messi may still have a far-reaching impact on Arsenal and their hopes in the Premier League title race, when they take on Brighton.
Lionel Messi impact on Brighton signing Diego Gomez before Arsenal meeting
As Arsenal prepare to take on Brighton in the Premier League, they could be faced with the prospect of a new face in the opposition ranks.
Diego Gomez was confirmed as a new signing for the Seagulls, with a move completed just before the January transfer window.
The midfielder joins from Inter Miami and could be named in the first-team squad for the first time when they take on Arsenal.
Gomez, a Paraguayan international, discussed how Messi helped him develop into the player he is now upon joining Brighton.
He told their official website: “It was a unique experience for me which I will remember for the rest of my life.
“I’m very happy that I’ve played with one of the world’s greatest players, and I’ve learned a lot from Leo and from all the fantastic players I’ve played with.”
Arsenal will be hoping that the impact of Messi won’t hurt their Premier League title chances against Brighton through the performance of Gomez.
It remains to be seen whether the promising star will be handed his debut for the tie though.
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Arsenal must capitalise with Brighton clash
As Arsenal prepare for their clash with Brighton, there is a real chance for the side to make the most of having an early fixture.
The Gunners travel to face the Seagulls before their rivals Liverpool, who take on Manchester United in a tough clash.
If Arsenal can land all three points to close the gap in the Premier League title race, then they might put even more pressure on the Reds.
With the Merseyside outfit facing off in a tense rivalry of their own, the scoreline could go either way with form out of the window.
It remains to be seen exactly how things pan out, but plenty more twists and turns are expected.
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