Juventus' Champions League elimination means that Lionel Messi already has an advantage in the 2019 Ballon d'Or, according to Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho knows Manchester United better than most, having started off the season with them, and he analysed their Champions League tie against Barcelona, the second leg of which was decided by the Argentine.
"Messi's position is easy to understand, but it's not easy to create a cage to contain him," the Portuguese said on Russia Today.
"Manchester United in the first match zonally occupied that central area very well, but in this match I think they tried to start the game with a different perspective.
"In front of the defensive line there was only Fred and that's the area where Messi comes.
"When Messi has the ball one-on-one you are dead.
"You have to create a cage around Messi.
"Messi is having a phenomenal season and, with Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo out of this fight, he knows that the Ballon d'Or is there waiting for him.
"I would say they are a bit more of a favourite than Liverpool, but I also think it's 50-50."
SINGAM23
183
Jose Mourinho quotes:- ''Messi's position is easy to understand, but it's not easy to create a cage to contain him'' "You have to create a cage around Messi''
Ziondepro
157
Mourinho-- "Messi's position is easy to understand, but it's not easy to create a cage to contain him. Mourinho-- "When Messi has the ball one-on-one you are dead.
Shahriar
117
Ronaldo effect
stsinner
110
Messi would have to perform something more than magic, to be able to defeat Liverpool. It got to be magic + miracle. With all due respect Liverpool are winning this. Messi can't try again next year.
Aritra©Best
106
Finally, with 10 goals, Leo is now the top-scorer in the current edition of the Champions League. Ajax's Dusan Tadic looks like the only contender. However, the Serbian needs at least five goals in the next two or three games to get ahead of Messi.
Pamadnyz
92
At the moment messi is head and shoulders above everyone.... salah is not even close. Top scorer europe.... 45 top scorer la liga..... 33 top scorer ucl.... 10 etc
amnesia69
76
i think if everything goes to plan if he claims the ucl and epl then expect a defender the first since beckanbour( cant spell his name). if anything last year with modic winning the balondor proved anything its not the goals scored or the assists it there success throughout the season. the only plauer i can see beat messi to the most prostigues trophie is van dijk. But two things wont happen, liverpool getting a double so van dijk not getring the balondor
Mosanya
62
Of course he deserve the ballon d Or after everything he has done for the team, he has been impressive and incredible this season and he is majorly favourite, his goals and skills have won our hearts and i hope he lifts the Champions league this season as the captain, good luck Messi you deserve it.
Cuyablp
59
As long Leo still play football cr7 don't deserve any world best player even just 1 impossible. because I believe world best should be counting as individual play on like your Goals, ( type of goal) assist, skills, fair play . Leo has all this potential . but cr7 only has a goal and that's all. you may hate my comment but deep inside your mind you know the truth . best dribbler, best free-kick taker, classic scorer, best assist, best fair play all MESSI.
LMSEN
8
we muslims are liked by all.😊
humans should be liked for their humanity irrespective of their religion. I don't care if you are Hindu or Muslim or Christian, I am more bothered about if you are a good human being or not