The only way to stop Messi is to foul him and pray, says Materazzi

The Italian feels there is no legal way to keep the Argentine quiet and says Gianluigi Buffon does not need a Champions League medal to go down as a great

Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has toldJuventus that the only way to stop Lionel Messi in Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelonais to foul him.

The Argentine forward has been in supreme form since the turn of the year and scored a spectacular goal in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

And Materazzi, now coach of Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC, has come up with a novel way to prevent him from being devestating in the upcoming match in Berlin.

"In my opinion, you should pray and then commit a foul to stop him!".

"Messi makes the difference more than any other player. If Juventus are able to limit his actions then they have every chance.

"In any case, we are speaking about a final, a one-off game, so anything can happen."

Juve skipper Gianluigi Buffon has never won the European Cup but Materazzi feels that he does not need to add the trophy to his CV.

The World Cup winner added: "Buffon will forever remain one of the biggest names and all of his awards speak for themselves."