LIONEL MESSI claims Liverpool, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are the main threats to Barcelona’s Champions League hopes this season.
Messi’s side face Napoli in the last-16 and know there is added pressure as they look to reach their first final since 2015.
Lionel Messi has revealed the four sides he thinks can rival Barcelona for Champions League gloryCredit: Reuters
Three years of being knocked out in the quarter-finals came to an end when they cruised past Manchester United to set up a semi-final showdown with Liverpool.
But after winning the first leg at home 3-0, Barcelona were sensationally beaten 4-0 in the return fixture at Anfield.
Messi is now looking to set things straight and bring home his FIFTH Champions League winner’s medal.
However, the Argentine superstar concedes there are a number of clubs who pose a serious threat to his European dreams.
Messi told Mundo Deportivo: “All the teams are complicated and difficult.
“Paris went to play Dortmund and lost, Liverpool went to Atletico’s field and lost.
“But I think Liverpool, Juventus, Paris and Madrid are the strongest today.”
Despite backing Jurgen Klopp’s men as one of the favourites this year, Messi also believes Atletico have enough to defend their 1-0 advantage at Anfield – something Barca failed to do themselves.
Messi added: “On the day of the draw we talked in the locker room that would be very close because Atletico competes a lot in this competition.
“In two-match duels they are very strong and they showed it again, that they will compete and they will be there.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
