Dani Alves explains the secret to Lionel Messi's success
Friends and partners in the past, Messi and Alves will be rivals in Brazil later this week
Lionel Messi and Dani Alves formed a special partnership on Barcelona’s right flank. On Thursday, they will defend the interests of their respective countries, though, when Argentina meet Brazil in a World Cup qualifier.
Dani is aware of the the threat posed by Barça’s No.10, a player he thinks is unstoppable: “It’s a disadvantage to try and play one on one against him, you need help. The big problem is Leo always makes the difference. We will try to compete without fear, but with the respect that a player of his quality deserves.
“He’s a different player, he’s marking an era, a unique player who has something special and he cannot be compared to any other footballer. Leo is marking an era and he’s going to leave his name in the history books, regardless of what he wins.”
Alves considers that the “greatness” of Leo is in “his humility.” He added: “The thing that makes Leo different is that he doesn’t think he’s so great. He’s a super relaxed guy with incredible values and his humility, without doubt, comes from his family.”
OPTIMISTIC
“We are going to try and play a great game to continue our [recent] upward ascent. We can’t interrupt our growth. We have a manager with a great philosophy and a wealth of experience and we’re aware what our concepts are. If we get the win, we will take a huge step forward in our objective to qualify and leave a country [Argentina] aspiring to be in the qualification places in a tough spot.”
HISTORIC GAME
“Brazil against Argentina is never just one more game. It’s the game. There’s always extra motivation, regardless of how the other side are doing. When it’s a Clasico, you don’t look at the standings.”
