Ospina on preparing for Argentina: 'There is no way to stop Messi'

What's the secret to stopping Argentina superstar Lionel Messi? Don't ask Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, who said there's no way of preventing Messi from turning a game on its head when he so chooses.

The Arsenal shot-stopper issued appropriate levels of caution regarding Messi in the buildup to Colombia's World Cup qualifier Tuesday against La Albiceleste at the Estadio del Bicentenario San Juan, describing the diminutive attacker - as many before him have - as unstoppable.

"There is no way to stop Messi," Ospina said, according to ESPN FC. "We know who he is, how important he is for Argentina and the level of player that he is."

Ospina's Colombia side sits third in World Cup qualifying, three spots above Argentina in the table but only separated by two points.

As such, Ospina is well aware of the importance of picking up three points to further cement his side's lead. He admits the standings will "be very close right down to the end" and offered that, even without Messi, Colombia must be prepared for a quality test.

"We will be trying to play our game," Ospina said. "We are playing against the entire Argentina squad, not just Messi. He is surrounded by players of great quality, so we must be careful of everyone.

"Argentina have great players. No matter which ones they play they will be competitive so we will have to be ready for them. Our defence must have attitude against the Argentina attack.

"And in the front we have players who can score goals at any moment and give us the advantage. For us it is important to finish well. We are facing a great rival and we must play in such a way that we are calm and do things well."