Liverpool have returned to their best in recent years. Runners-up in the Champions League last season, they're still in the fight for the Premier League with Manchester City this year. They have lost just one game and with two games to go are just one point behind. There's a good argument to be made that they can beat Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal, but they fear one factor: Lionel Messi.
The Argentine has already taken out Lyon and Manchester United with braces at Camp Nou. He is a predator and with the support of the home fans he becomes an even more terrifying enemy. Liverpool know that a large part of the tie will depend on him when the first leg is played on Wednesday at Camp Nou. And they know that if he's tuned in, there's nothing they can do.
Messi is feared and admited in the United Kingdom. Jurgen Klopp prasied him when asked to compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo. "I only have one selfie on my phone and it's with Messi. Cristiiano was also in the room," the German coach said.
Klopp is fan of Barça and Messi's style of play. Even though it's different to his, Klopp's more direct, he's praised the Catalans: "Barcelona is style. They play everywhere, they go to so many places that you end up not knowing where they are."
The only experience he has against Barça was a friendly at Wembley in 2016. Liverpool won 4-0. In official games, he's not faced them, although he attended a Champions League match against Borussia Mönchengladbach later in 2016.
Messi's a reference for the world's best players. Mohamed Salah has been referred to as the 'Egyptian Messi.' The player doesn't share that, though: "He's been at the top level for more than 10 years. His performances are so consistent. I hope I can achieve that."
One of those tasked with stopping him will be Virgil van Dijk. The Premier League Player of the Year admitted that "I don't know how to stop Messi." In any case, the Dutch defender added that "it's a job which we all have to do together because we have the best player in the world in front of us."
Van Dijk is ready for the worst against Leo, worse that what happened to James Milner. The midfielder played for Manchester City in 2015 when they met Barça in the last 16 at Camp Nou. Milner was nutmegged by Messi at Camp Nou, which brought Pep Guardiola, who was there as a fan, to his feet in applause.
Milner admitted years later that "when I faced Messi he tore me to shreds, although I wasn't the first and I won't be the last."
Alisson Becker had a better experience against Messi. He was in goal for Roma in last year's quarterfinal tie. He didn't conced in the second leg as the Italians sprung a surprise but he recognised that Barca's No.10 is "the best footballer I have played against in my career."
yanabcdlyz
150
He's definitely the best player we can ever have in the history of football... Ride on Messi we love you.
baeeortz
102
I have my full respect for Liverpool Football Club But to remind that Liverpool Last won the Premier League in 1990 when Messi was merely 3 years old. And Liverpool won their last UCL in 2005 when Messi debuted for Barcelona... So the difference is clear. If u are eager to face the world's best player u are gonna see him soon boys but Always Remember the name: "Lionel Messi"...
zman72
55
if Roma can beat Barcelona, why should Liverpool fail. Liverpool can use the quick counter attack while dependent on the pace of Mane & Salah. Pique and Lengelet, watch out!
ritmopt
53
too much hype on Messi...this is a Liverpool team who went to Allianz Arena & won 1-3 convincingly...and went to Portugal & won 1-4..these teams may not be Barca but winning away games with that kind of scoreline speaks volume...YNWA...
MuchBarcagyal
53
I hate how Liverpool are just afraid of Messi instead of the whole Barça squad. Messi is the goat we can't deny but also anybody else can score against Liverpool PSG, NAPOLI AND CARENA didn't have Messi. On that note may Messi dribble past Virgil Van Dink score, Suarez and Dembouz score against you.
ak3000
50
We fear no team. We are Liverpool. We show respect to the opposing team and players, but fear is not in our DNA. Barca will be playing home tonight, and they will definitely want to score. But be aware, we are not going there to defend. It will be a crackling, high intensity match, with football at its very best.
RichardBaffoe
37
I only know one man that can stop Messi and he did some time past n is ready to do it again. he is going to set fire at Camp Nou tonight
JustGoWithIt
37
It's Just A Stadium Fill With Fans They Say He's Just Another Human Being They Say The Players Are Just Like Any Other Normal Team Of Players They Say But I Say The Stadium Is Our Temple
muddiop
34
why do people come up with such a ridiculous head line that Barca Messi terrifies Lpool...God forbid no way, listen Football or Soccer is a game with many surprises, it can be either way or the other, win,lose , or draw so why the hell people or journalist making these stupid head lines, for what and to do what...Non of this stupid head lines will scare one hair of Liverpool, and know these...we play as a Team and Barca only depends on Messi's contribution...that's very horrible cause a Football team with all the world class players and yet are not a team without one player.