De Jong Clueless On How Netherlands Can Stop Messi
Frenkie De Jong says he has no clue how the Netherlands will stop Lionel Messi in their World Cup quarterfinal game against Argentina on Friday.
In what is likely to be his final shot at World Cup glory, Messi has been instrumental in Argentina's run to the quarterfinals, scoring three goals along the way.
De Jong and Messi were teammates at Barcelona before the seven-time Ballon D'or winner left for Paris Saint Germain last year.
De Jong has posited that his familiarity with Messi will count for nothing on Friday.
"No," he told ESPN. "I know him, but I don't know how to stop him. He's been making the difference for 15 years and there is not one way to stop him.
"Usually he would still make the difference during training too. We just have to stop him as a team.
Asked if he had spoken to Messi since their clash was confirmed, De Jong added: "We haven't texted each other. I am not planning to. We will see each other on Friday."
"Argentina is of course a top team," he added. "But so are we. It will be a very good match, but I am confident. I think they look at us the same way. It's a 50-50 encounter."
Argentina got the better of Netherlands on penalties the last time the two sides met in the World Cup back in the 2014 semi-finals.
