Atletico's Gabi: Messi is almost unstoppable

Posted Saturday, December 15, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Atletico Madrid player Gabriel Fernandez believes that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is almost unstoppable when he is in possession.

Currently sitting second in La Liga, the Spanish capital side is six points behind table-topper Barcelona, which will be looking to extend its lead on Sunday.

And the 29-year-old was quick to single out record-breaking Messi as the Blaugrana's main threat.

"We've been debating how to stop Messi for 10 years. It's difficult because he's the most talented player in the world. With the ball at his feet he's almost unstoppable," he told reporters. "Above all else, we have to play as a team and keep it tight so that he can't find the space he needs to go past people."

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, the guests will be looking to bounce back this weekend.

"[Manager, Diego] Simeone has told us that after the Bernabeu game, we owe it to ourselves. The team didn't play the game as we wanted to, or know how to, and we have to prove ourselves on Sunday.

"A win at the Camp Nou would take us to 40 points, which Atletico Madrid has never had this early in the season.

"Of course a win would be nice, but more importantly a step in the right direction, because it would move us closer to our goal, which is to be up there with the best, in the Champions League. We're going there to win," Gabi concluded.

The La Liga fixture will be played at Camp Nou on December 16.