Sports Desk: Marking the World Cup winning captain Lionel Messi is a difficult and complex challenge. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro outlined his views on Messi at a press conference ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

Alfaro's analysis, “Messi doesn't just walk on the field, he observes. His specialty is not just limited to his skills, but he is a tactician. He cannot be stopped by a single marking. It's a lot like Maradona's time. Remember Raina? Diego wanted to go to the bathroom outside the field and Reina was standing behind him, as Maradona was drinking water. Such moments are rare.'

He added, “I think I sent a player behind Messi. What will Messi do? He will look around for the first three minutes, observe the situation and then make room for himself. RD Paul, would say to the McAllisters: 'I am bringing two people together, making a place. You decide, then I'll suddenly come over there and get the ball.' It is very difficult to stop such tactics. If you leave him alone, there is news, you will lose.”

Alfaro explained the matter further, saying, “Many say Messi walks. No, Messi actually sees. He keeps an eye across the field and observes. If you just run around, you won't see the situation. "Messi finds out where the ball is going to pass, and that's where he goes."

"Argentina is like water," Alfaro said of the Argentine team's strength and tactics. If there is a gap in your wall where water can seep in, Argentina will also seep into your facophores. We need to close these gaps. We need to build strategic coordination so that these loopholes are not exploited by Argentina."

"Playing against the Argentina team led by Messi is a tough challenge, but we can fight against them," Alfao said about Paraguay's team's preparation.