"If I whack Messi I won't be able to return to Argentina"
In the build-up to Saturday's Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Sevilla, Gabriel Mercado spoke about his defensive duties against five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
For Mercado, one thing is certain: Lionel Messi is near unstoppable. Barca's legendary No. 10 will be the man expected to light up the Copa del Rey final in which the Catalan giants are the clear favourites. Nonetheless, Sevilla will not just roll over and take a beating.
For the Argentines, the World Cup is on the horizon. Having finished second last time round, Argentina will be hoping Messi can lead them to glory in Russia. Mercado is more than aware what the repercussions of an injured Messi could be for his country.
"If I whack him I won't be able to return to Argentina," Mercado told 'AS.'
He then went on to praise his compatriot: "You can't even stop Messi with fouls, you hit him and he just carries on playing football. That is football - he always wants to score and find the opposition net."
Mercado carried on by saying that, in order to beat Barcelona, they'll need "a lot of defensive work" and will have to "be perfect" against Messi. "He's the best, there's no debate. He pops up everywhere, scores goals and assists," he concluded.