Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has named five teams he believes could win the UEFA Champions League this campaign.
The former Barcelona superstar was speaking ahead of PSG’s last 16 tie with Real Madrid on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.
Speaking to Marca, Messi spoke about the race for the Champions League title this season: “The best teams are there (in the UCL), and it’s getting more and more complicated. Yes, we are one of the favourites, but not the only ones.”
- Sergio Aguero picks the best between Lampard, Scholes & Gerrard
- Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich loses £650m in one day
- Ferdinand hails Havertz & reveals what Lampard told him about Thiago Silva
The Argentine forward then went on to name the five clubs he believes could challenge PSG for the title, saying:
“Today, Liverpool are doing very well; they have once again been the Liverpool that won the Champions League. Then there are City, Bayern, Madrid, Atletico.”
The 34-year-old has had an underwhelming start to life since arriving from Barcelona last summer. He has hugely underperformed in Ligue 1, scoring only two goals in 14 matches, but has conjured up eight assists.
But, it has been a different story for him in the Champions League, with Messi scoring five times in as many games. Thanks to his goals, PSG finished second in Group A featuring Manchester City.
It was his performance in the 2-0 home victory over Pep Guardiola’s side that is perhaps the player’s finest display in a PSG shirt since his arrival.
Lionel Messi’s verdict on who he believes could be challenging for this year’s Champions League title is an interesting one.
City are the favourites to win the competition, with Guardiola’s side looking impressive with each passing game. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been in fine form this campaign despite trailing Premier League leaders City.
Real Madrid are among the favourites, as they have won the competition a record 13 times. Meanwhile, Messi’s inclusion of Bayern is also not without merit, given their consistency in the competition.
However, Atletico Madrid are an interesting selection by Lionel Messi. Diego Simeone’s side have looked nothing like the team that won the La Liga title last season, usurping Barcelona and Madrid. Their last 16 tie against Manchester United would be a big test of their title credentials.
But, the omission of reigning champions Chelsea is the most perplexing. They are coming off their maiden FIFA Club World Cup, despite their recent dip in form that has seen them slip in the Premier League. The Blues will continue their Champions League defence against Lille.
About PSG’s title credentials, Lionel Messi said: “Everyone says that we are the big favorites, and I will not deny that we are one of the candidates. But we are not the only ones; there are other great teams that are candidates.”
“The Champions League is a very difficult competition; that makes it so beautiful and special. The best teams are there, and it is getting more and more complicated. Yes, we are one of the favorites, but not the only ones.”
