Champions League: Messi Is World’s Best

Lionel Messi again showed his superstar status as he inspired his Barcelona side to a victory over Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, in yesterday’s second leg match of the quarter final of UEFA Champions League.

Though his Euro dream is over, as PSG went out of the competition on away goals, David Beckham believes Barca were inspired by their supersub Messi, saying: “He is the best player in the world, simple as that. He came on when we were 1-0 up and they scored.

“A player like him, 100 per cent fit or not, will always make the difference.”

A half-fit Messi helped set up Pedro’s leveller which saw the Spanish giants into the Champions League semi-finals.

That cancelled out Javier Pastore’s 50th-minute opener. Becks, who came on as an 83rd-minute sub, added: “We played really well. Unfortunately we just couldn’t keep hold of the lead. I still enjoy playing in these matches. We did ourselves proud.”

Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura hailed Messi’s desire in the crucial tie, saying “it was a pact that we had with him that if things weren’t going well, we would bring him on. He is so important and his presence on the field conditioned the game after we had conceded a goal and made an impact on the opponent.

“Once again he has shown his competitive spirit and desperation to always be there for the team and we have to take our hat off to him.”

Striker David Villa also paid tribute to the effect Messi had on the game. “Messi is the best player in the world and he changed the game just by being on the pitch,” he said.

“We have to congratulate him for his show of commitment to the team and to football. It is thanks to him, and everyone else, that we have qualified,” added Villa who laid on Pedro’s equaliser.

Carlo Ancelotti says it will take some time for him to come to terms with PSG’s Champions League heartbreak against Barcelona.

“It’s hard to be eliminated after what we did tonight. We were a little timid in the first leg and the result (2-2) was not good.

“But after tonight’s game, while we feel regret, we also feel pride. We are proud because we did everything possible to win.

“We played well – didn’t just defend – and that is why I want to thank all the players. We were so close to winning this game. This could have been a fantastic night for us.”