Real Madrid star Federico Valverde gave a brilliant answer when asked how to try and stop Lionel Messi.

Although the midfielder only became a regular in the Real team during Messi's final years at Barca, the pair did engage in a number of on-pitch battles in El Clasico - and while Messi was at PSG.

They have done so at international level, too, with Valverde's Uruguay facing off against Messi's Argentina during South American qualifiers and at the Copa America.

Working out how to stop the Argentinian legend, though, is one thing. Actually doing it when the game gets underway is another matter.

His answer? "I don't know how to do it.

"I could never stop him. We had many Clasicos, and Casemiro was always a good weapon against Messi. Although not always.

"You have to respect him because he is one of the best players in the world."

Messi will play for Argentina for the first time since winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris last month.

When asked if that achievement makes him the football GOAT, he responded: "As I always said, I do not know if I am the best player in history or not.

"If I am one of the best, then this is a wonderful thing."