Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has revealed that Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool are his pick to claim Champions League glory this season.
The Reds are currently second in the Premier League and head Champions League Group D where they look odds on to qualify for the knock-out stages.
The club have famously claimed European glory on five previous occasions, most recently in 2005, and were also runners-up in 2007.
As reported by clubcall.com, the Argentinean admitted he fancied their chances again this season. He said: “If I had to choose anyone to win the Champions League then it would be Liverpool.”
The Barca ace highlighted several of their players to back up his claim and also alluded to the fact that their great strength makes them a difficult side to break down. Messi explained: “They have great players like Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano, and they are difficult to play against.”
The Argentinean and Barcelona star tasted defeat by Manchester United in the semi-final of the Champions League last season but Barca are currently unbeaten in Group C where they top the standings and look certain to progress.
Yet Messi also knows Liverpool well from the last time the two sides met in the competition, back in 2007. Although the two legs ended with the teams level, the score being 2-2, Liverpool progressed on away goals.
Whilst Messi admitted Liverpool did not always play the most attractive football, he did concede that they were effective - and that might see them into the final next May. He concluded: “Maybe there are teams that play better football, but I can see them getting to the final in Rome.”
Liverpool are in Champions League action in midweek as they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield, whilst Barcelona face Basel at home.
The Reds are currently second in the Premier League and head Champions League Group D where they look odds on to qualify for the knock-out stages.
The club have famously claimed European glory on five previous occasions, most recently in 2005, and were also runners-up in 2007.
As reported by clubcall.com, the Argentinean admitted he fancied their chances again this season. He said: “If I had to choose anyone to win the Champions League then it would be Liverpool.”
The Barca ace highlighted several of their players to back up his claim and also alluded to the fact that their great strength makes them a difficult side to break down. Messi explained: “They have great players like Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano, and they are difficult to play against.”
The Argentinean and Barcelona star tasted defeat by Manchester United in the semi-final of the Champions League last season but Barca are currently unbeaten in Group C where they top the standings and look certain to progress.
Yet Messi also knows Liverpool well from the last time the two sides met in the competition, back in 2007. Although the two legs ended with the teams level, the score being 2-2, Liverpool progressed on away goals.
Whilst Messi admitted Liverpool did not always play the most attractive football, he did concede that they were effective - and that might see them into the final next May. He concluded: “Maybe there are teams that play better football, but I can see them getting to the final in Rome.”
Liverpool are in Champions League action in midweek as they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield, whilst Barcelona face Basel at home.
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