United will have to stop Messi, with the Barcelona talisman starting tonight.
Man Utd team news vs Barcelona CONFIRMED (Image: GETTY)
The Argentina international has netted 43 goals in all competitions heading into the Old Trafford showdown.
United ace Smalling controversially claimed before the Champions League clash that the Red Devils are ready for the in-form Messi.
"It's something to relish I think," he said.
"This season, we have been lucky enough to face [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Kylian] Mbappe and they are all challenges that I definitely relish and I think players at this club relish.
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Man Utd team news: Paul Pogba starts vs Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United: Chris Smalling previews Barcelona clash
United boss Solskjaer also discussed how he plans to stop Messi, claiming the forward is their main man but he isn’t the only threat.
He added: "What kind of plan can you have to stop one of the best players in the world?
"As Chris says, we are looking forward to it, we relish the opportunity but this season, we have played against Juventus with Ronaldo, PSG with Mbappe, we've had Chelsea and [Eden] Hazard.
"[Messi] is a fantastic player. And he will go down in history as one of the best individual players ever. I have to say - he will be difficult to stop but it's never impossible.
"It's not like it is Messi against Manchester United. [Luis] Suarez, [Philippe] Coutinho, [Ivan] Rakitic, [Arturo] Vidal, there are so many players we cannot just focus on one player.