Ahead of Barcelona's second leg tie against Lyon on Wednesday night, former Blaugrana captain Carles Puyol has emphasised that while there will be the usual pressure on Lionel Messi, other players need to step up.
Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night has made some think that Lionel Messi may put in a similar display, but it is the togetherness of the squad that will prevail, according to Puyol.
"Messi always takes a step forward [in big games]," the former captain said at a Heineken event.
"He always puts the team on his back, but it's not just Leo.
"Football is a team sport and everyone must contribute.
"Together, strong in defence and taking chances [in attack]."
Last year, Barcelona won the first leg of their quarter-final against Roma 4-1 but then went on to lose 3-0 in the Italian capital, so Puyol is aware of the threat that complacency can bring.
"We have seen in the last few weeks what the Champions League is like," he stated.
"Barcelona have the experience from the last few years in which one bad day can send you out.
"[Barcelona] will have to play a very complete game, but it will not be easy."
When asked about the favourites for the competition, he former defender sees a lot of strong teams but, clearly, he favours one in particular.
"Barcelona are one of the favourites," said Puyol.
"Juventus have a very good team and, for me, they were alongside Real Madrid from the beginning, but now they [Real Madrid] are out of the competition.
"Manchester City are a very strong side and we will see who advances out of Liverpool and Bayern [Munich].
"But I hope the winner is Barcelona."
KINGLMD10S
93
to all those who think Messi is a flop with Argentina, let me remind you guys that if not of the magical hat trick he produced to single handedly send Argentina to the world cup they won't be there. considering a lot of factors like the negative influence the coach sampaoli had and the fact that a lot of other players flopped especially the goal keeper, I'm afraid insulting Messi on the fate of Argentina may be a crime. Ronaldo on the other hand has a lot of hardworking teammates who don't leave everything to him, reasons why the final of Euro was won without his help, but Argentina cannot go a single step without Messi, and when he gives them his back,they hurt him. Messi will certainly not be obsessed with doing what Ronaldo did becomes it comes naturally for him and his main interest is for the whole team, needless making the headlines and still not winning the trophy. both Juventus and Barca have a long way to go but if we decide to base ourselves on the present happenings and forget about out goals, it's needless. I know Messi will score more than 3 goals tonight... forca Barca
Sackinho
61
I think it will be better for Barca to find a new finisher. I am tired of Suarez, mostly lacking but no replacement. Can't they look for a sharper one coz Suarez has his days
Behmosz
51
i don't understand it when sm1 calls messi a ordinary player is it dat goat doing goat tings is a crime or saying dat all he achieved was will d help of God and his teammates or neva praising himself even when he scores 5 in a single ucl game or he is too calm 2 admit he is d best or u guys dont understand d meaning humility if i was messi i do same bcos dat is d beginning of greatness and 4 does saying ronaldo has conquered europe messi is still in spain will u leave ur parents dat has been dere 4 u all those hard times and go 2 anoda family bcos dat 1 is more wealthy or is more classy mind u if dere is any player dat has conquered europe then dat player's name is Zlatan who conquered sweden nethaland england spain italy france and currently usa