Lionel Messi picks Liverpool and NOT Barcelona as UCL favourites amidst 'Barcagate' crisis

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has ruled out his side as favourites to win Champions League this season. Lionel Messi-led Barcelona have been vying for a Champions League title since ir last win in 2015. y have been facing frequent reversals in kckout sts of competition in past few years.

Also Re | Timo Werner lauds Liverpool as BEST in world after RB Leipzig beat Tottenham

Liverpool favourites to win Champions League: Lionel Messi

While speaking to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Lionel Messi claimed that defending European champions Liverpool are  favourites to win  competition this season as well. Jurgen Klopp’s men h won title last season after y defeated Tottenham Hotspur in final. However, y have suffered an initial setback this season after ir first-leg defeat against Atletico Mrid in Round of 16.

PSG, Juventus, Real Mrid strong contenders: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi also named Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Juventus and Real Mrid as teams likeliest to get ir hands on silverware. Messi claimed that despite setbacks for PSG and Liverpool, y would bounce back in ir respective return leg fixtures.

Also Re | Arsenal's 'invincibles' h more CLASS than current Liverpool side: Jens Lehmann

Lionel Messi criticises FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi was also critical of Barcelona after ir t-so-consistent performance across competitions this season. He asserted that both Barcelona and Real Mrid have been quite inconsistent in LaLiga. Argentine also acceded that it would be difficult for Catalans to get ir hands on Champions League title this season due to inconsistent performances from team.

Also Re | I would love for Neymar to return: Lionel Messi has reiterated his miration for star

Lionel Messi speaks on Barcagate

Lionel Messi also spoke on Barcagate. Barcagate is a term used to describe president Josep Bartomeu's alleged attempt to demonise certain players of first-team squ. Messi asserted that he would wait for right opportunity to speak.

Also Re | Lionel Messi opens up on 'Barcagate' crisis; Barcelona showdown continues