Didier Deschamps hoping to 'neutralise' Messi

France coach, Didier Deschamps has said that he is hoping to stop Messi when his side meet Argentina in the second round of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Speaking ahead of the game, he said, Sky Sports reports: "Messi is Messi. Hopefully we would like to mark and neutralise him, but we know very well he can make the difference with very little."

The game is expected to be an interesting one with both sides having an array of stars that can change the game with a single pass, flick, or strike.

France and Argentina have faced each other in many international friendlies, but the last time the two sides met in the World Cup was in 1978 where Argentina won the group game by two goals to one.

Argentina are on the back of a poor group performance, while the French side got the job done impressively, qualifying with seven points.

In a game like this, it is better to look past the group stage performances as both teams have the ability to deal each other a heavy blow.

The other game on Saturday will be between Uruguay and Portugal.