You can, but I disagree in terms of how it aids him. Yes LA liga defenders are more stand offish, but seen them shut down his teammates who attempts similar stuff, but Messi is too instinctively insane close quarters dribbler for most to handle. Seen him be aggressively pressured enough times to know the reason they aren't slide tackling is because he is so quick and calculating that it's too risky. You can't keep pursuing someone when you are on your ass after failed slide tackle. So it's better be on your feet and try to anticipate what's his next move.