Topics: Copa America, Argentina, Lionel Messi, Thiago Silva
The defender has acknowledged the threat of the Albiceleste skipper but admits there will be no necessities when they meet.

Lionel Messi is yet to hit a purple patch at the ongoing Copa America but Brazil is well wary of the Argentina skipper, according to Thiago Silva. The 32-year-old talisman and his compatriots will come face to face with the Selecao in a clash that will see one team secure a ticket to the final of the tournament.

Despite featuring all of Albiceleste's group stage matches as well as in the quarter-finals win over Venezuela, Messi's performance has been relatively underwhelming. The striker has managed just one goal in the campaign having finished last season with 51 goals in 50 appearances for Barcelona.

At the last edition of the Copa America in 2016, the Argentina No.10 finished with five goals and three assist. Following the win over Venezuela, he admitted that his performance has been quite underwhelming although he insists the standard of the pitches so far have not been the best.

Ahead of Wednesday's clash with Argentina at the Maracana, Brazil's Thiago Silva has revealed that his side his still wary of Lionel Messi despite his dip in form.

"For me, Messi is the greatest player in history, the greatest player I've ever seen," he told reporters at a press conference.

"But now, it's Brazil and Argentina. We'll leave it to admire him in other games ahead.

"Every time we face each other, whether in the national team or in the Champions League, it's very difficult to face him.

"No matter how much you study, you will never understand the quality he has and the difference he can make.

"At certain times, he pulls something else out of the hat that you cannot imagine. That's his difference."