Germany boast "special plan" to stop Lionel Messi

Hansi Flick has revealed that Germany have devised a "special plan" to thwart Lionel Messi in Sunday's World Cup final with Argentina.

Messi endured a quiet night in the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Wednesday, failing to register a single touch inside the opposition penalty area during the 120 minutes of play.

Likewise, Flick, who is coach Joachim Low's assistant, says that Die Mannschaft have also hatched a ploy to combat the Barcelona ace but refuses to divulge the strategy.

"We saw how the Dutch managed to keep Messi out, but we too have a special plan for him, although I won't give that away," he told reporters.

"We're looking forward to meeting a compact, organised team and in Messi, they have one of the outstanding players of the tournament."

Sunday's encounter at the Maracana kicks off at 8pm.