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.

Stop the overlapping runs of Dani Alves

The Brazilian right-back’s dynamism complements the artistry of Messi very well, as the duo often double up and isolate opposing full-backs to create chances on goal. Teams could also play a high pressing game, as Stuttgart did, and deploy an attacking threat up against Alves to limit his forward forays. Stopping this link-up with Messi makes sense, as it would force Alves to defend, which is not his greatest strength, given his proclivity to make rash challenges.

Stop the supply

They call Gerard Pique ‘Piquenbauer’ these days at the Nou Camp, given his ability to pick out accurate passes from the back, starting several Barcelona attacks. Similarly, Xavi, Barcelona’s heartbeat, must be closed down as he dictates the majority of Pep Guardiola’s side’s passing patterns. The Spanish maestro has a tendency to arrive in pockets of space undetected, often playing killer passes inside the full-back for Messi or Dani Alves to run into. These two players must be pressed, because without the ball Messi is diminished.

Play at a high tempo

The majority of sides lack the intensity to worry Barcelona (Sevilla and Villarreal, the rare exceptions this season) but in Europe, Stuttgart genuinely worried the Catalans in a barn-storming first-leg performance (before being destroyed by Messi in the return leg on the expansive Nou Camp pitch). Rushing the tiki-taka philosophy instilled in Barcelona players is necessary to starve Messi of the ball. Arsenal players have high fitness levels and could perform such a job.

Use a quick full-back

Manchester United and Chelsea are two sides that have caused Messi to struggle over the years. It is no coincidence that the two Premier League sides employ two of the best full-backs in the game: Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole. Both have outstanding physical attributes but also mentally sharp enough to watch his runs and act accordingly. The ultimate compliment was afforded to Evra in last season’s Champions League final when Guardiola played Messi in the middle, switching him with Samuel Eto’o. While Gael Clichy is not in the same class as his Premier League counterparts, on form he can neutralise any opponent (so Arsenal must hope he doesn’t rush into a challenge and make simple errors).

The last resort of desperate men

Technically limited players could resort to wrestling Messi to the ground - still no mean feat given the outrageous balance the Argentine genius has. Tactical fouling in areas high up the pitch is another option, with players taking turns to foul Messi, reducing the risk of clocking up yellow cards. In addition to this, teams need massive amounts of luck to stop Messi from stamping his mark on the game. Chelsea played out a near-perfect game against Barcelona and Messi last season, but still lost.