Copa America

Willian: 'Brazil don't fear Lionel Messi'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 25 June 2015

Willian insists that he and his Brazil teammates are unafraid over the prospect of meeting Lionel Messi's Argentina in the semi-final of the Copa America.

Willian has insisted that the prospect of facing Argentina and Lionel Messi in a Copa America semi-final holds no fear for Brazil.

Both sides are potentially 90 minutes away from a mouth-watering last-four clash, with Dunga's men gearing up for a quarter-final with Paraguay, while the Albiceleste face Colombia.

Although admitting that he would love to face off with the four-time Ballon d'Or winner, Willian stressed the need for caution and insists that their primary focus is on Saturday's last eight-test.

"Messi is an idol for many people. [He is] a player of great quality who has managed to be crowned the best player in the world four times," he told reporters.

"I like to watch him play, of course. He is someone who, when Argentina play, he has many people stop to see him at work.

"Undoubtedly it is always great to play for Brazil against Argentina and if it happens it will be really cool. Everyone dreams of playing against Argentina. We are getting ready for the possibility of that happening but we must not get ahead of ourselves."

Gerardo Martino's side face the Colombians on Friday.