Only way to stop Messi is to foul him: Marco Materazzi

Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has said the only way to stop Barcelona forward Lionel Messi in Saturday's Champions League final is to foul him.

Barcelona clash against Italian champions Juventus in Berlin for the final.

The Argentine striker has been in a stupendous form of late scoring a brilliant left-footed goal in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao last Saturday.

"In my opinion, you should pray and then commit a foul to stop him!" Materazzi was quoted as saying by goal.com.

"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," he said.

Juventus skipper Gianluigi Buffon has never won the Champions League before but Materazzi believes he does not require the trophy to prove how great a player he is.

"Buffon will forever remain one of the biggest names and all of his awards speak for themselves," said the 2006 World Cup winner.