Willian tells Brazil how to handle Lionel Messi threat

Brazil forward Willian has been talking about the prospect of facing Argentina and Lionel Messi in their international friendly on Friday.

The two teams meet for the first time since Brazil knocked Argentina out of Copa America at the semi-final stage, and Willian knows his team must focus on the Barcelona captain.

“He [Messi] is a great player, unmatched, the best in the world. We’ve faced Argentina when he played before, and this will be just like those times.

”There must be more attention on him, we must restrict his spaces. We’ll not man-mark him, but whoever is around him must close down the spaces, not leave him room to think.”

Source | Goal

Messi has not featured for the national team since the Copa America due to a three-match suspension but is expected to make his return in Friday’s game in Saudi Arabia.