Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is in red-hot form this season but Chelsea can contain him in their Champions League last-16 clash, according to former Blues star Michael Duberry.
Chelsea, who are set to host Barcelona in the first leg of the last-16 clash, have a good record against the Catalan giants in the European top-flight competition – especially when the Blues outplayed the La Liga giants en route to clinching the trophy in 2012.
Messi has displayed incredible form this season – with 14 goals already to his name in La Liga – guiding Barcelona to the top of the league table – 14 points ahead of arch rivals Real Madrid, who have a game in their hand.
On the contrary, his record against Chelsea in the Champions League is disappointing and he is yet to score a goal against the Blues in eight appearances so far.
And Duberry accentuated that Chelsea have the perfect game plan to stop the Argentine magician.
“It’s a two-legged game and on any given night, both can beat each other,” Duberry told Express Sport.
“It’s like two heavyweight boxers who can both produce a heavyweight knockout blow.
“Just a case of who will go there.
“Chelsea have a great chance of winning the tie as do Barcelona.
“It’s going to be a great European tie. Obviously Chelsea will want an easier route, but you have to go through these teams.
“It’s another tie against Barca. Messi is always dangerous and Barca have got huge names.
“It’s in their DNA how they play and in their DNA of being a big European force.
“It will be a tough tie, but I still think Chelsea have a great chance. Messi’s record against English clubs and Chelsea isn’t like ‘Oh my God’.
“They are the one team that can quieten him. You hope that continues and he doesn’t score.”
