- Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has named the teams he feel can pose a threat to their chances of lifting the Champions League
- The Argentine captain says he feels Man City and PSG will pose a threat to Barcelona
- He made the statement while receiving his 2017 golden boot award
Barcelona star attacker Lionel Messi has named Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain as his club's biggest rivals in the Champions League shortly after receiving his fourth Golden Boot.
But the Argentinian captain also refuses to rule out their eternal rivals Real Madid from contention.
Lionel Messi says he fears Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain most in Champions League
Messi, 30, was crowned the most prolific striker in Europe when he picked up his fourth Golden Boot award on Friday, November 24, after scoring 37 league goals for his club last season.
The 30-year-old made the statement during an interview with Spanish media Marca, who sponsored the award.
In the course of the interview, Messi said: "City is one of the strongest teams of the moment with PSG, so far they have been the two teams that have shown themselves to be stronger, but I never rule out Madrid.
"For what it is and for the experience, although now they are not having the results that everyone expects. I have no doubt that in the end they will be fighting for everything, as they do every year, Bayern too.
"City and PSG are the better today."
Manchester City and PSG both top their Leagues after collected all 15 points from their last five league matches in their respective groups.
Barcelona also lead in their group but managed only a draw in matches against Juventus and Olympiacos.
So far English teams have been the dominant force in the tournament and lead five of the eight groups with Tottenham keeping La Liga giants Real Madid at bay and Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United topping their groups.
Messi spoke candidly about his personal and professional life in the interview but refused to discuss his contract situation.
The Barcelona legend's future at the club is uncertain as his current contract draws to an end - the club's officials insist a new contract has already been signed but the customary contract-signing photograph is yet to emerge.
Before Messi received the Golden Boot from team-mate Luis Suarez, Marca director Juan Ignacio Gallardo touched on the situation.
During his speech at the ceremony, Gallardo said: "I know that everyone is thinking about the renovation of your contract with Barcelona, but today we are here to pay homage to you and nothing can take the focus away from our precious gala.
"There will be time to talk about contract renewals later. Today we are speaking about the Golden Boot, delivered by ESM (European Sports Media) and Marca."
The Argentine captain will be back in Champions League action on December 5 when they take on Sporting Lisbon.
PSG will also play that day in a bid to complete the group stage undefeated while Man City will look to do the same the following day.
No comments:
Post a Comment