As Lionel Messi, at 39, remains a significant threat on the pitch, teams facing him, particularly England in an upcoming World Cup final qualifier against Argentina, are strategizing on how to counter his impact. Players and coaches who have faced the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner over two decades have shared insights into the challenges and potential methods for limiting his influence.
John O'Shea, a former Manchester United defender who played against Messi in the 2009 Champions League final and a later match between the Republic of Ireland and Argentina, noted Messi's ability to adapt. "Sir Alex's mindset for finals was more about how we go to win. Obviously, we focused on the opposition as well, and it was just an awareness of particular movement. Can we double up when Messi is checking back inside and the midfielders get back to help out?" O'Shea commented, reflecting on the need for defensive support.
He added that while direct tackles are part of the defensive strategy, Messi's skill in anticipating and absorbing contact makes it difficult. "He's well able to cope with all those tackles coming in. To read a challenge and anticipate. He's a master at it," O'Shea said. For England, he suggested maintaining a high defensive line when conditions allow to keep Messi further from goal, with midfielders needing to provide defensive cover. "He'll definitely have his moments, as he always does in nearly every game. Whether England can make sure there are less and less of those moments will be key."
O'Shea also observed Messi's enduring effectiveness despite his age. "He's older now but he still has the class – and that will be the message I’m sure England players will be hearing." He pointed to Messi's exceptional touch and quick decision-making as continuing challenges. However, O'Shea also noted that Messi is not the same player he once was, sometimes appearing to struggle with explosive runs, which could allow teams to exploit the space his team may concede when out of possession.
Dean Smith, head coach of Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, has faced Messi and Inter Miami multiple times. Smith highlighted Messi's unusual game pattern: "He walks 6km in a game, but when the ball comes near him he just comes to life. It's incredible when you see it." He emphasized Messi's superior awareness and ability to anticipate plays, likening him to a chess player thinking multiple moves ahead.
Smith's approach has been to avoid man-marking Messi, as he believes it can leave a player out of the game. "My biggest thing is that we've never gone man-to-man with him. I just feel that if we did that, you lose a player in the game." He noted that Messi's pressing intensity has diminished, allowing teams to build play around him. Smith stressed the importance of defensive midfielders and defenders being aware of Messi's positioning, especially when possession is lost, to prevent immediate passes to him. "Stop that first ball getting into him when your team loses it, because he can be such a danger when that happens."
When Messi is near the box, Smith advised defenders to stay on their feet and avoid making the first move, as Messi excels at drawing fouls or creating space. He also cautioned goalkeepers about Messi's ability to shoot from distance. Smith expressed confidence in England's defenders like Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi for their one-on-one capabilities. "I think players can (be psyched out by facing Messi) at times. I probably put it on my players by saying: ‘Listen, what an opportunity to go and play against one of the best players in the world. Go and test yourself against him.'