ParisSaint-Germainstar and three times Champions League winner Lionel Messi has told Chelsea,ManCity, Man United and Liverpool that ‘togetherness’ and ‘team unity’ are key to winning this season’s competition.
Messi, 34, was fortunate enough to be bailed out by Kylian Mbappe right at the death at the Le Parc des Princes against Real Madrid on Tuesday night as the French giants stole the first leg lead ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Prior to Mbappe’s stunning winner that has reportedly prompted the higher ups in the French capital to consider offering him £1million-a-week, their free signing in the summer had spurned up a chance that could have costed them the well deserved advantage earned in the end.
In the 62nd minute, the six time Ballon d’Or winner telegraphed his penalty with a low left footed strike that was guessed easily by former Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
However, as already mentioned, the 34-year-old,who hasn’t appeared in a Champions League final since 2015, can breathe a huge sigh of relief as he now looks on to see how the English clubs and PSG’s main competition fare in the Round of 16.
Two of those said teams in the form of Man City and Liverpool have already showcased their intent to the world with their respective wins this week against Sporting Lisbon and Inter Milan respectively.
Chelsea and Man United however have their go at the Round of 16 jackpot next week when Lille and Atletico Madrid await both past Champions League winning sides.
Ahead of those two respective first leg clashes coupled with the rest of this season’s competition, PSG’s current number 30 has wasted no time in hinting to the four English clubs just how they can get their hands on this year’s coveted prize.
Whilst saying just how the Parisians can win their first Champions League title under Mauricio Pochettino and ultimately in the club’s history, Messi has inadvertently leaked that ‘togetherness’ and ‘team unity’ is the key attributes that will determine who will rise to the top amid the hefty competition.
Speaking to PSG magazine this week, Messi said via the Mirror: “It is difficult to win the Champions League, because it is a competition that brings together the best teams and where the smallest detail, the smallest mistake can eliminate you.
“I think we have a team that can try to win it.
“We are excited about this idea and we have high hopes of fulfilling it, but we have to take it easy.
“I repeat, it is difficult to win the Champions League. The best team does not always win.
“We must form a strong and united team both in the defensive phase and in the offensive phase.
“This is the guideline that will allow us to be a fully competitive team team that will try to win the Champions League, as well as all the titles that we are in a position to win.”