Every opposing coach has the same dilemma when facing Barcelona. How do you stop a player who has 72 goals in 89 games under Pep Guardiola along with a massive array of assists? Can you find a tactically disciplined player to man-mark him, or is it a joint effort? Here are some suggestions on how to stop the best player in the world.

Stop him from cutting inside

18 of Lionel Messi’s astonishing tally of 25 league goals have come from the Argentine’s left foot as he frequently turns his full-back inside out before shifting inside to slot home. If teams can force him down the line, the chances of him having an influence on the game diminish (although a very good full-back is required to stop Messi from dribbling around the outside of his marker into the box).

Deny him space

Barcelona’s biggest test last season came against Chelsea in the Champion’s League semi-final, who played an extremely conservative game in both legs, relying on counter-attacks and the physical prowess of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien. Messi’s influence was limited as Chelsea denied him space in behind by packing the defence. Even so, he assisted Iniesta’s dramatic winner in the 93^rd minute by playing the ball back across the 18 yard line instead attempting a probing pass. It was an unlucky night for Hiddink’s men, having been denied clear-cut penalty decisions by the hapless Tom Henning Ovrebo.

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