'Argentina is much more than Messi,' Brazil’s Uvini warns

Brazil’s centre-back Bruno Uvini has described Lionel Messi as "the best player in the world" but warned that the “Canarinha” will have to respect Alex Sabella’s team as a whole and not solely concentrate on stopping the Barcelona star in Sunday's friendly clash with Argentina in US soil.

With Thiago Silva set to miss the South American super-classic in New Jersey through injury, coach Mano Menezes could pair the former Tottenham Hotspurs defender along with Juan as the other back.

The Sao Paulo defender is looking forward to the challenge of testing himself against Messi but pointed out that Argentina are not solely reliant on “La Pulga.”

“It's not necessary to define Messi with my words. He is currently the best player in the world.”

"But Argentina are not only Messi. They also have [Sergio] Aguero, [Ángel] Di María, [Gonzalo] Higuaín. We cannot think only of Messi, we have to respect Argentina as a whole."

Uvini admitted that facing Argentina in what would be only his second appearance for his country is a daunting prospect but vows to savour the occasion.

“I always have butterflies in my stomach, but this is normal.”

"We study our rivals, and try to know everything about them, but we must have confidence in our own football. There can be no fear.”

Brazil's meeting with great rivals Argentina at the MetLife Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm [Buenos Aires Time].