Copa America: Brazil coach reveals how they tackled Messi in 2-0 win

Brazil coach, Tite has hailed Lionel Messi as an “alien”, but says his men were able to neutralise him in their Copa America semi-final win over Argentina.

Gabriel Jesus scored the opening goal and set up Roberto Firmino for the clincher, as the hosts won 2-0 to reach the final for the first time since 2007.The result means Messi continues a long wait for success on the international stage.

Messi lashed out at the officials after the game, but Tite, whose side are yet to concede a goal at this year’s tournament, was thrilled with the way a defence led by Thiago Silva marshalled Messi.

“I talked to Scaloni, maybe after he spoke to you [the media], but Messi is an alien. Messi is exceptional.

“He deserves such consideration, that reverence he deserves. And to neutralise such a player, with your actions on the field, you can’t stop him.

“We had to tinker with the structure of the team, so we brought Firmino a little further back to close the midfield to reduce his actions, and also to explore our speed.

“We scored and then got less possession of the ball than we normally do, but we brought effectiveness and we were decisive.

“It’s another step, happy, but it’s another step to the final and tomorrow [Wednesday] we will see the other opponent,” Tite told reporters.

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