Bell’s all the better for meeting Messi

AMARI’I BELL tested himself against Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria last month – but now he’s focused on helping Luton achieve something special this season.

The Jamaica defender, 28, played against the Argentinian stars in a friendly international in New Jersey.

But it’s back to domestic business today as the high-flying Hatters look to earn derby bragging rights against Watford.

“It was a really good experience to grace the field with Messi and Di Maria,” said Bell.

“To test yourself against that calibre of players is a positive for me.

“Messi was amazing, you saw it instantly. The stadium erupted when he came on.

“I got to defend against him a few times but I was gutted he didn’t start. I’d like to have played against him for 90 minutes.

“But I still got to play against him and Di Maria, who is also a world-class player. I thought I did very well and I didn’t feel out of my depth.”

The Hatters are unbeaten in their last seven league outings and have lost just one of their last 11.

But they last beat the Hornets in the league 26 YEARS ago.

Bell added: “We feel like we can give anyone a run for their money.

“It’s a big game for everyone associated with the club and a big rivalry, so we all want to do well.

“We haven’t won there for a long time, so it’s going to be one for the fans to savour.

“When you’re winning games then confidence is high with everyone.

“We definitely feel as though we can keep on progressing and making big strides.”

Luton, meanwhile, have been hit by midfielder Imran Louza’s leg break and he will be out for a “few months”.

“He’s a player who is very hard to – or even impossible – to replace,” said boss Slaven Bilic. “It’s a big blow for us.”