BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) - If anyone knows how to stop Argentina maestro Lionel Messi, it may just be Iran coach Carlos Queiroz.
He has been credited with devising the tactics and defensive system that shut down Messi in both legs of the 2008 Champions League semifinals while Queiroz was assistant manager at Manchester United, which beat Barcelona 1-0 on aggregate. Many have described the strategy as a master class, with United stifling Messi by denying him space to get a good first touch.
Now, Queiroz will attempt the same feat when Iran takes on Argentina in Group F today.
"We will try to do it," Queiroz said. "But Messi is surrounded by different players now. They know each other well."
Queiroz has already proven at this World Cup he can put out a solid defensive unit, holding Nigeria to a scoreless tie in Iran's first match. But it will be a very different proposal against an Argentina side that also has other star players like Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.
Queiroz said the key is for his team to play with concentration and discipline, and not allow Messi to operate with freedom.
Messi's remarks earlier this week about his team's tactics in the first match sparked speculation Argentina's captain wasn't seeing eye-to-eye with coach Alejandro Sabella.
Messi said Argentina made too many mistakes against Bosnia-Herzegovina despite winning 2-1, starting the match with two attackers instead of three and playing a 5-3-2 formation in the first half. Messi prefers a 4-3-3 and Argentine media reports said he and other players insisted at halftime Sabella needed to change tactics. The coach made the change and speculation emerged there was a growing rift between Messi and Sabella.
But other players sought to downplay any serious disagreement between the pair.
"Messi gave his opinion, which he is entitled to, and you shouldn't go looking for things that aren't there," backup goalkeeper Mariano Andujar said.
Brazilian fans at Iran's first match booed the team off the pitch after the stalemate against Nigeria - the first 0-0 draw of the tournament. They weren't happy with the defensive tactics, especially since this World Cup has been attacking in nature.
Queiroz is hopeful Brazilians who turn out will be on Iran's side, especially since Argentina is an archrival of the host nation.
"It's the biggest game in the history of Iranian football," Queiroz said. "We have never played against such an outstanding team as Argentina. The players wouldn't change this for the world."