DUBAI: Al-Hilal’s Colombian midfielder Gustavo Cuellar has sent out a strong message to Lionel Messi, warning that he will put the Argentina captain under constant pressure when the two nations meet on Wednesday in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Arabic sports daily Arriyadiyah has reported.
“I have not faced him before, but I know very well that he is the best player in the world. I will put double attention on him everywhere he goes, and I will not give him even the freedom to think on the field,” Cuellar told South American media ahead of the game at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia.
The 28-year-old Colombian has just finished a successful season with the Riyadh team, securing a 17th Saudi Pro League title and reaching the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League.
Cuellar issued the challenge before this must-win fixture for Colombia, who currently sit sixth in the 10-team table, just outside the playoff place.
Argentina are in second place with 11 points, while Brazil lead the table with a perfect 15 points from five matches.
