Rami: Man-marking only way to stop Messi

Valencia's French centre-half Adil Rami has said that the only way to stop Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is to try a spot of man-to-man marking. "I think you'd have to put a quick and gifted player on Messi who would follow him wherever he goes. We'd lose a player - but then so would they," Rami told Wednesday's El Pais daily. Spanish league leaders Valencia host Barcelona on Wednesday evening. Rami, who joined Valencia in the summer after winning the French title with Lille, meanwhile admitted he had his work cut out to survive in La Liga and said his technique required improvement. "I know I can put the team in difficulty owing to my technical level being only there or thereabouts. That can be dangerous sometimes," Rami said when asked if he had any weaknesses. "People say I am impressive physically but I am only doing my work -- that is, defend well and do more if the opportunity presents itself."