Rakitic: No one has found the formula on how to stop Messi World Cup 2018 Discussed Croatia's chances with MARCA

Recognising that this may be his last World Cup after 11 years with the Croatian national team, Ivan Rakitic is nonetheless optimistic that he and his colleagues could do something special in Russia... if they're able to achieve what no one else has to this point: Find the formula to stop Lionel Messi.

How are Croatia shaping up for the World Cup?

"We're in good spirits and we've worked really hard with incredible drive to get in the perfect condition to have a good tournament. We've got a high-quality team, with players from top clubs and who are coming into the World Cup with the right level of experience to compete."

What has Dalic brought to Croatia?

"Every coach brings different ideas and he's young, but he's getting on really well. He's used to winning and competing at the highest level, and for him, communication is key. He likes to be in and around the players and we trust him. He deserves our support."

Attack, defence, mental aspect: What is the most important thing to have at a successful cup competition like the World Cup?

"A bit of everything because all of those aspects are important. The task with your national team is different. You've got to look at it differently because you don't have the day-to-day work like at a club.

"The big thing is having clear ideas and preparing well enough. For Croatia, the members of the national team play for so many different clubs. It's not like Spain where pretty much the first team are all at either Madrid or Barcelona and can apply their footballing philosophy to the national team."

Do Balkan teams have special competitive genes?

"The Balkan countries have always had this. It's an important trait but let's not forget that all teams are looking for the same thing. There isn't a team that exists that will say 'thanks for letting us be here' and that's it. We want to be the surprise package in Russia."

Will it be the last time we see the great partnership you've forged with Modric for Croatia?

"It could be. I've already got 11 years under my belt. I want to wait and see how the competition pans out, so I don't know yet if I'm going to carry on. For now, I want to enjoy the World Cup. The desire to turn out in your national team's colours is always going to be the strongest because it gives you the greatest pride. After Russia, we'll sit down and see what is for the best."

Does Croatia live in the shadow of the 1998 World Cup squad when they finished third?

"There is that. People always say the same thing to us, remind us what they did and judge us against that result. We accept the pressure and channel it in a positive and healthy way because people just want us to do well. Before, we couldn't. But now I hope we do, because we're getting older and there's not much time left to do it."

Have you already spoken to Dalic about how to stop Messi?

"In football, no one has found the formula as how to stop Messi. Not Dalic, not me, no one can. What we've got to do is enjoy him. We measure ourselves against the best and to have the opportunity to face the best is brilliant. We know that it's going to be difficult but so will the games be against Nigeria and Iceland. We realise that it's just special to go up against Leo but he also knows that we all want to play well against him."

Can you enjoy it though, when he is a rival?

"I didn't say that it's nice. But this is the World Cup and these are the best players that you compete against. It's a special motivation to savour. All eyes will be on Leo, and whatever is said, they are the favourites. But we want to show people that Croatia are a good team and that we are going along to do nothing less than compete. We shouldn't be taken lightly."

Does football owe a World Cup to Messi?

"Surely he deserves to win it for who he is. Football isn't tennis: you can't put Messi under pressure by saying he alone has to win the World Cup. He does deserve it but there are 32 countries with the same dream. If he wins it at the end, we will all be happy for him. However, his story is not going to change if he wins it or not. If you are the best, you are it independently of whether you win one or 50,000 titles. One World Cup will not change what Leo Messi means to football."

What do you know about Nigeria?

"They are a hard-working team. They have a German coach that looks to be compact and they have strong players with impressive counterattacking skills. We will have to be very well-prepared."

And with Iceland, it's starting to be like a clasico fixture?

"There's already been too many times! We've got a score to settle with them because they topped our group. They know how to play simple but effective football. They are competitive and will be 100 percent up for it. They will be even more motivated at their first World Cup."

Could Croatia win the World Cup?

"We don't have to think too far ahead. We've got to focus on the first game against Nigeria and then to get out of the group. Once we get into the knockout stages, anything is possible if we are playing well."

Are Spain the favourites?

"I'm in no doubt. I hope that it is a competitive World Cup, played with intensity. It's going to be one of the best editions with hard-fought games and a few surprises on the way. Spain is a step ahead of the rest and they continue to be the number one team."

Don't you think Spain are lacking a goal threat?

"I would be more worried if they weren't making chances. Spain make 10 or 15 chances in every game."

How do you rate Brazil against what you've seen recently?

"They are a strong side. It's incredible as they make changes but the team gets better and better. They are another favourite, no question. Even more so because they have Neymar. He's lacking game time but hopefully he he's able to be in the perfect condition for the first games."

Has Modric been asked to recruit Neymar?

"I hope not. In my view, everyone has got to follow their own path and make their own decisions. I know that he is really happy in Paris but I knew also that he was very happy in Barcelona and he still went. If I could choose, I would prefer that he stays in Paris."