Argentina get ready for their all-important semi-final clash with Netherlands which will decide who will face Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.
The South American nation have not reached the final since 1990, the last time they lifted the trophy, but have a great chance of making their return as only one team stand in their way.
However, that team is Louis van Gaal's Dutch side, who boast a deadly attack of Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, with the later being in fine form.
The 30-year-old Bayern Munich ace has been Netherlands standout player of the tournamen, tormenting defenders, and could eliminate any. However, La Albiceleste boss is not fazed by his abilities.
“He is a very dangerous player when one against one, so we have to pay special attention to him. When he gets a bit of speed up, it is more difficult to take away the ball from him,” Sabella said in a press conference.
“I think he is a great player, very important for Netherlands, like Neymar is to Brazil or Messi for Argentina. But Messi is the best of them all."
Netherlands boss Van Gaal, the Manchester United bound-coach, did admit the 27-year-old is an important player but stressed his side will be focusing on the team, not individuals.
Messi is the better plyer, according to Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella
But La Albiceleste boss did admit Netherlands' Bayern Munich ace will be a key player in the semi-final showdown
"I'm not thinking about individual players," Van Gaal stated. "I'm thinking always that we have to play against a team, but Messi is a very important player. But we also have very important players in our team: Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder."
"They have never won the [FIFA Ballon d’Or], but they are very good players who can decide a game, like Messi. So we have to play against Argentina and we have to try to stop Messi getting the ball, passing the ball, scoring goals, and you do that as a team. I hope my team can do the job."
Watch the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final Argentina vs Netherlands
Don’t miss the highly anticipated match featuring South America's last hopefuls Argentina against Louis van Gaal's mighty Netherlands. Guided by captain Lionel Messi, the Argentines will do everything they possibly can to ensure they make the final which will be played at the Maracanã. The match kicks-off at 4pm EST / 1pm PST / 8pm GMT.
Check our complete and comprehensive global broadcast listings across all platforms (Internet, TV and Radio) Check Argentina vs Netherlands LIVE broadcast listings.
