Ferdinand had been analysing the Champions League first leg between Barcelona and Chelsea, which ended 1-1, with Frank Lampard on 'BT Sport' when he was asked: "How do you stop Messi? It's something that everyone has wanted to know for years".
The former defender made his reponse very clear: "I've been in a team that tried twice and weren't able [to]. Possibly [by] doing some serious bodily harm, I do not know," eliciting laughter from his co-pundits.
He continued: "Look, he's the best player in history, he's always in the debates about who's the best ever. He is someone who I think can not be stopped individually, it's more a team issue".
His reponse seemed fair considering it was the Argentine who slotted home a pass from Andres Iniesta to draw Barcelona level, pouncing on the only mistake made by Chelsea in what was otherwise a commandable performance.
Maybe Messi just can't be stopped...