Speaking ahead of their semi-final tie against Argentina, the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back insists it is always difficult to find the antidote to the Barcelona skipper's qualities.
Messi, who is the highest goalscorer for the Argentina national team, is yet to hit his best form in the ongoing Copa America.
Despite hailing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner’s ability, the 32-year-old also claims he will have to put aside his admiration for the player and concentrate on stopping him in their upcoming anticipated semi-final clash on July 3.
“For me, Messi is the greatest player in history, the greatest player I’ve ever seen.
“Every time we face each other, whether in the national team or in the Champions League, it’s very difficult to face him. No matter how much you study, you will never understand the quality he has and the difference he can make.
“At certain times, he pulls something else out of the hat that you cannot imagine. That’s his difference."
"As a center-back you have to study all the possibilities. We know he always pulls left, but many times he pulls right. But now, it’s Brazil and Argentina. We’ll leave it to admire him in other games ahead.”
Messi scored 51 goals for Barcelona in all competitions, winning the European Golden Shoe and Pichichi award in the 2018/19 season including the highest scorer with 12 goals in the UEFA Champions League.
His pivotal role in the Barcelona squad helped the side retain their LaLiga title, but missed out on the Copa del Rey to Valencia.
