Messi can only be stopped by Chelsea star Kante – Lampard

Frank Lampard has highlighted N’Golo Kante as the key player in Chelsea’s quest to stop Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona forward has been in excellent form this campaign, scoring 20 goals in 24 La Liga appearances, and he has been flagged up by Blues boss Antonio Conte as the best player in the world.

He has never scored against Chelsea during his career but will be hoping to end that drought on Tuesday night in the Champions League.

N’Golo Kante has been flagged up as the one player with the ability to stop the forward

Chelsea icon Lampard believes former Premier League Player of the Year Kante is the ‘one’ who can keep Messi’s goal tally against the Stamford Bridge club at zero during the last-16 game.

He told the Evening Standard: ‘Whoever is nearest to him has to take the responsibility to take that space because the minute you let him get his head up and run freely at you, you won’t get near him. I can say that from experience. 

‘There will be periods when you just have to back off. The problem is that being at home, there will be people wanting to see Chelsea have a bit of a go at them.

‘But their players are that good, you have to back off to deny them the space where they can really hurt you. 

Frank Lampard believes Kante is key because of the speed at which he can tackle players

Messi and Barcelona play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League

‘It is a fine line for Chelsea. They need to sit back but at the same time put pressure on him so he doesn’t become relaxed on the ball. 

‘This is where I think N’Golo Kante will be key. He is the one in Chelsea’s midfield with the abilities you need because he is so quick into the tackle. 

‘But it is important all 11 press their opponents, starting with those players at the top of the pitch.’

Chelsea go into their tie against Barcelona having won only four games in all competitions in 2018.