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hrachoff22

30-06-2018 | 14:18 Football
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Didier Deschamps: We'd like to neutralise Lionel Messi

France boss Didier Deschamps shared his opinion about round of 16 opponent Argentina's leader Lionel Messi.

"Messi is Messi," Deschamps told his press conference at the Kazan Arena on Friday. "Look at his stats, 65 goals in 127 matches, it's that straightforward. Hopefully, we'd like to mark and neutralise him, but he can make the difference with very little," he added. "When you play Argentina and Messi, there are several ways to limit his impact, at least. But their team is highly experienced, we talk about Messi, but [Javier] Mascherano has lots of caps, so is used to the pressure." the manager concluded on the matter. While asked if the presence of French defenders previously played against Messi in Spanish La Liga is an advantage, Deschamps noted: "I hope to answer your question after the match with a 'yes'," Deschamps said. "I'm not sure it's an advantage, but it's not a disadvantage. "Messi plays in Spain, we know he makes a difference, but if you've played against him then maybe you're aware of situations that can repeat on the pitch. "But Messi is Messi, with his talent, he may send a spark with very little and make the difference. He is unpredictable," the manager concluded on the matter.

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