Chiellini reveals the only way to stop Lionel Messi

When quizzed about halting the diminutive genius in an interview, Chiellini was in no doubt; on your own it is impossible.

"If you try to anticipate his movements you're already dead. He reads the game quicker than anyone and when you try to anticipate him you end up not even being able to touch him," explained the experienced centre-back.

However, Chiellini, considered by many as one of the best defenders of the past decade, believes that it is possible to limit Messi's influence.

"The only way to keep him under wraps if through a huge team effort. You can be the best defender in the world, but yu've got no hope at all if you think you can deal with him on your own," said the Italian.

So there you go, work hard as a team and don't try to contain Messi yourself, sounds easy when you put it like that!