CONMEBOL HITS BACK AT MESSI STATEMENT

CONMEBOL responded to allegations of corruption as they labelled Lionel Messi's comments "unacceptable" and "unfounded" at the Copa America.

Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 in the third-place play-off on Saturday, but Messi railed against "corruption" and "a lack of respect" following his red card against the two-time reigning champions.

Messi – who was controversially dismissed in the first half after an altercation with Gary Medel – vented his frustration post-match, having criticised the officiating following Argentina's semi-final loss to hosts Brazil.

The Argentina captain's allegations angered the South American football governing body, which hit back in a statement.

"In football sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and accepting the outcome of a match with loyalty and respect is a fundamental pillar of fair play. Same goes to the refereeing decisions, that are human and will never be perfect," the statement read.

"It's unacceptable that because of incidents proper to the competitions, where 12 Nations competed in, all in equal condition, there have been unfounded accusations that misrepresent the truth and put to judgement the integrity of Copa America.

"Said accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the football players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL, institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to transparent, professionalize and develop South American football."

Messi was dismissed when Chile's Medel reacted angrily to a challenge and repeatedly bumped into the Barcelona star with his chest.

Neither Medel nor Messi raised their hands and the Chile man was the clear aggressor in the incident as both players saw red.

There was a VAR check but referee Mario Diaz de Vivar did not look back at the footage on the pitch-side monitor.

When asked why he was not on the pitch for the medal ceremony, Messi told reporters: "Because we don't have to be part of this corruption, this lack of respect towards the whole Copa."

Messi added: "I always tell the truth. That leaves me calm. Then, if what I say has repercussions, it is not to do with me as I am always sincere."

EXPLAINING ALL LEO MESSI TATTOOS AND THEIR MEANINGS

• The incredible player on the pitch, the Barca cap has taken interest in tattoo-work over the years. 
• The family has been Messi's key theme through his artwork. 

Left leg:

The bottom half of it is mostly black ink as Messi has covered up earlier tattoos, a sword, angel wings and a red rose.

The only tattoos that can be found there now are a picture of his son Thiago's hands together with the first-born child's name on his calf. Aside from that, he has the number 10 and a football on his shin.

Right leg:

Names and birth-dates of all three of his sons: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

Right sleeve:

Depiction of Jesus Christ in a crown of thorns that represents his religious believes. 

Inside of his bicep:

An eye and a small crown. 

Elbow:

A rose window, presumably based on Santa Maria del Pi church in Barcelona

Arm:

A budding red rose, a pink lotus and orange flowers

Forearm:

A classic pocket watch and timepiece cogs 

Left shoulder blade:

the face of his mother, Celia. 

Left hip:

Antonella Roccuzzo's lips coloured red - a dedication to his wife

ARGENTINA VS COLUMBIA: MESSI BEGINS LATEST QUEST FOR INTERNATIONAL SILVERWARE

Lionel Messi's hopes of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's feat of winning major silverware with his country will be put to the test again when Argentina kick-off their Copa America campaign against Colombia.

La Albiceleste have been runners-up at four of the last five editions of the tournament and Messi temporarily stood down from international duty after their penalty shoot-out loss to Chile in 2016.

But the Barcelona star – who has seen rival Ronaldo claim two titles with Portugal at the European Champonship and Nations League – is back once again to lead the line at the CONMEBOL event for Lionel Scaloni's side, who are also set to face Paraguay and Qatar in Group B.

First up is a clash against Colombia in Salvador, with Argentina – who also boast the likes of Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala – unbeaten against Saturday's opponents since 2007.

That is not a record Radamel Falcao is unduly concerned by, as Colombia's all-time top scorer prepares for what could be his final Copa America.

"I'm treating it as if that were the case," he said of his potential farewell to the tournament. "It's a good way to try to get the best out of myself.

"We are aware that we haven't won against [Argentina] in a long time, but we have to keep fighting. I think we're closer.

"We must be attentive to the finer details, stay focused and play the way that we have been training.

"In these types of matches the little things can make a big difference."

Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz will be seeking to secure the nation's first title at the competition since they were hosts in 2001.

The former Real Madrid boss has overseen three wins from four matches in charge, including a 3-0 victory over Peru in their final warm-up game.

Argentina were even more convincing winners as they closed out their preparations with a 5-1 thrashing of Nicaragua, Messi scoring two first-half goals before being withdrawn at the break.

The two nations last met in a friendly last September that ended goalless, marking the fifth match in a row in which Colombia had drawn a blank against Argentina.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Argentina – Lionel Messi

He may be the obvious choice, but Messi is the man who has carried the hopes of a nation for an international career that has thus far yielded preciously little joy.

Previous Copa America failings have hit the diminutive forward hard and, at a tournament during which he will turn 32, the pressure is on for Messi to star in a trophy-winning campaign.

Colombia – Duvan Zapata

After enjoying a prolific campaign on loan with Atalanta, scoring 23 Serie A goals, Zapata may have forced himself into starting contention.

He came off the bench to score his first international goal in the win over Peru, but the man he replaced – Falcao ​– is likely to be preferred this weekend.

KEY OPTA FACTS 

- Argentina are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Colombia in all competitions (W4 D4) – their longest unbeaten run against them.

- These two nations have met 13 times in the Copa America, with seven wins for Argentina and two for Colombia.

- Argentina have won the most games (119) and have the highest goal difference (+282) in Copa America history.

- In four of the last five Copa America tournaments Argentina have finished as runners-up, with each of the last two coming in penalty shoot-out defeats in the final (versus Chile in 2015 and 2016).

- Colombia finished third in 2016; they were defeated 2-0 by eventual champions Chile in the semi-finals and went on to beat hosts USA 1-0 in the 3rd place play-off thanks to a Carlos Bacca winner.

- Argentina have progressed from the Copa America group stage in each of their last 12 appearances.

OFFICIAL STARTING XI BARCELONA VS VALENCIA

The 2018-19 Copa del Rey concludes on Saturday with the big final featuring Lionel Messi and Barcelona against Valencia from the Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain. Barcelona enters as the Spanish cup final as the favorite but will be without injured star striker Luis Suarez, while Valencia enters with some serious momentum after securing Champions League qualification on the last day of La Liga play after finishing fourth. 

Storylines

Barcelona: No Suarez, no Nelson Semedo on Saturday for the back-to-back-to-back-to-back Copa del Rey champs. Barca will be short-handed here but that doesn't impact them still being the favorite as they go for five cup titles in a row. The big question is whether Philippe Coutinho will play in this one as the Brazilian has battled a hamstring injury. He returned to training on Thursday and may just be fit enough to play.

Valencia: Los Che are an interesting story after winning just one of their first 11 league games. The team battling back from sitting around 15th place for part of the season to finish fourth with three straight wins to end the league season. While that will give them some momentum, so will having played Barca twice this season and drawing both. 

Prediction

Messi scores the winner as Barcelona edges Valencia for the trophy.

Ernesto Valverde names the strongest squad possible to face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

Starting XI: Cillessen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Sergi Roberto, Messi, Coutinho.

Bench: Inaki Pena, Umtiti, Vermaelen, Alena, Vidal, Carles Perez, Malcom.

RAKITIC:- I’M CONVINCED DE JONG IS NOT COMING FOR MY POSITION BECAUSE IT IS OCCUPIED

• Rakitic doesn't think Barcelona are signing de Jong to replace him. 
• The Croat is happy that a good player is joining Barcelona.
• Rakitic points out that de Jong features in a slightly different role than his.

Ivan Rakitic welcomes the signing of Frenkie de Jong, despite sharing the similar role on the pitch with the Dutchman, the Croat revealed in the interview with Mundo Deportivo.

"I'm glad Barca signed de Jong," said Ivan when asked about the Dutch midfielder joining Barcelona. "First of all, he's a young kid who plays great football. I'm happy the club is making this club stronger. Every good player can come to Barca, I'll be happy. But, I'm convinced de Jong is not coming for my position, because it's occupied."

Moreover, Rakitic is convinced that he won't be competing with Frenkie for the playing time because their respective roles and positions differ:

"However, I wish him good luck. I respect him. Besides, he plays in a different position that isn't mine, so I don't get why people are saying de Jong is replacing me. Even in his club and national team, he plays in a different position.

"I'm glad he's coming. De Jong is welcome here and I hope he enjoys his time at Barca," concluded the Croatian midfielder.

SUAREZ SENDS BARCA FANS A POWERFUL MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

• The Uruguayan is unavailable for the Copa final because of a knee injury.
• He writes on Twitter: "Work looking forward because you can always improve. Learning from the most difficult moments even if the situation is very painful! It’s hard but we need to be positive."

Luis Suarez won't be able to help Barcelona in the remaining matches of the 2018/2019 campaign, including the crucial Copa del Rey final against Valencia. The Uruguayan had to undergo a knee surgery right after the disastrous 4-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool. He still hopes to get fit for the upcoming Copa America tournament in Brazil which starts next month.

Suarez posts an emotional message on his personal Twitter account: "Work looking forward because you can always improve. Learning from the most difficult moments even if the situation is very painful! It’s hard but we need to be positive."

He also adds a picture with a telling caption: 'Keep going, looking ahead'

Suarez has scored 25 goals and provided 13 assists in 49 games across all competitions this season. He has been an undisputed starter at the centre of Barcelona's attack as Kevin-Prince Boateng wasn't able to become the Uruguayan's competitor.

Will Suarez be missed against Valencia?

BARCELONA DRESSING ROOM DOESN’T WANT GRIEZMANN

• Barcelona players allegedly aren't happy about Antoine's possible arrival.
• They don't like the way Griezmann refused the Catalans last season.
• Contrary to the reports, Messi confessed that he didn't call the Frenchman.
• The forward is not the exact reinforcement the team needs, they believe.
• His arrival would be a bad example for the youngsters at the club.

According to Sport, an outlet based in Barcelona, the players at the club will not welcome Griezmann if Bartomeu secures the Frenchman's signing. Reportedly, there are four main reasons why the dressing room won't welcome him with open arms.

First of all, the way he rejected the Liga champions a year ago didn't go well with the majority of the squad. Last season, the club's leaders were waiting for Antoine to join and were disappointed when he posted the infamous documentary 'The Decision' to announce his intention to remain at Atletico Madrid.

Second, Messi is allegedly not as excited about the 28-year-old's arrival as it was earlier reported by other sources. Leo supposedly confessed to his teammates that he didn't call the French international to convince him to join Barcelona.

Third, most of the locker-room believes that the forward is not the player Barca needs at the moment. Perhaps they believe that a striker should not be the board's top priority in the summer and they consider that reinforcements need to be done in other positions.

And lastly, the way the 2018 World Cup winner played 'cat and mouse' with the club last season would serve as a bad example to the younger players from La Masia. Perhaps they are right that last summer's saga went overboard and that Barca has lost its authority in the eyes of the youth.

Atletico recently announced that their best player will be leaving the club once the transfer window opens. Barcelona have allegedly contacted Griezmann over a contract and are waiting until July 1st to activate his €120m release clause.

BARCA NOT READY TO MEET DE LIGT RISING DEMANDS

• De Ligt has changed his demands in recent weeks.
• He wants a leading role in the team from the getgo.
• His agent, Mino Raiola, demands a bigger commission fee than previously.
• Barcelona are not ready to satisfy these demands.

Multiple reports claim that Matthijs de Ligt sealed an agreement with Barcelona already last month, on April 12, however, nothing has been confirmed yet.

Moreover, worrying reports have come on Friday from renowned Catalan journalist Gerard Romero claiming that potential agreement is becoming even more complicated as de Ligt considers that his status has risen in recent days.

His agent, Mino Raiola, asks for more money than was agreed on because of the interesting offers that are coming in from other clubs. While the centre-back himself asks to have a leading role.

Right now there are three world-class centre-backs at Barca, namely Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, so it's quite natural that Matthijs wants some assurances.

Here is de Ligt's Eredivisie record, as per Transfermarkt:

As for Raiola, the deal can only be fully completed once Barca and the agent come to an agreement which is the most serious obstacle at the moment as the Catalans stay firm in their decision to spend around 70-80 million euros for the Dutchman, just as they did with his teammate De Jong.

At the moment, Barcelona cannot meet the new demands. But it doesn't mean that they will give up on de Ligt that easy. 

Matthijs himself was unable to shed light on his much-talked-about transfer on Wednesday: "I can’t say anything about it. We will see where I am at the end of the summer. Nothing has been finalised yet."

MOURINHO I DOUBT MESSI DESERVES BALLON D’OR

• Mourinho states that Champions League elimination raises questions over Messi's season.
• The Portuguese doubts that Messi should be given Ballon d'Or without winning the most prestigious trophy in European football.

Jose Mourinho, the master of controversial statements, has questioned Leo Messi's right to win the highest individual award in football, Ballon d'Or.

"I have doubts that he [Messi] deserves the Ballon d'Or this year because he failed in the Champions' League," the former Real Madrid boss said in the interview with RMC Sport. 

Barcelona lost to Liverpool 4-0 in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final. The braces of Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum brought the Reds the win over Barca that allowed them to overcome the 3-0 defeat at the Camp Nou.

Barca's season is basically over now as we have already won the La Liga title and only have a Copa del Rey final to play. Many expect the Liverpool disaster to motivate the Barcelona board to introduce several radical changes in summer.

As for Leo Messi, he is still seen as the most likely winner of the prestigious award. Barca captain is on the way to his sixth Golden Boot with 34 league goals in 33 matches. Overall, Messi scored 48 and assisted 22 goals in 48 appearances this season. There is no player in the world who is even remotely close to Leo in terms of goal contribution. So, Mourinho's words probably shouldn't be considered as something more serious than his usual attempts to start controversy.

Interestingly, just a few weeks ago the Portuguese said something very different about Messi's Ballon d'Or chances.

"Messi is having a phenomenal season and now with Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo outside this fight, he knows also that the Ballon d'Or is there waiting for him,’ Mourinho told Russia Today.

WHAT COACHING BARCELONA DOES TO YOUR HAIR

• Coaching Barca is one of the most stressful jobs in football.
• During their time in Catalonia, Guardiola and Luis Enrique started to go bald.
• Valverde didn't lose his hair but it started to go grey instead.

Barcelona is one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is not surprising every coach that stays at the club for more than a year is affected by the stressful day-to-day environment.

The boss has to maintain a good relationship with the media, the board, manage a dress-room full of world-class stars and in addition to that, play attractive football to make the fans happy.

The best example of the 'before-after' effect is Pep Guardiola. When he took over the club in 2008, he was still only 37. At the presentation, the Spaniard looked young and full of energy. And the most unbelievable thing - he still had hair.

However, when his four-season-long spell at the club was over, he left Catalonia completely bald. 

Another example is Luis Enrique. Unlike Pep, Lucho was already in his forties when he took over. But he didn't look old, far from it. We all know that one of his favourite activities is cycling, which helped him stay in form even at 44.

But just like Guardiola, when the time came for him to leave Barca, he looked exhausted, drained out. His hair started getting grey and he had even lost a fair amount of it.

And lastly, being in charge at Barcelona didn't go easy for Ernesto Valverde. The Basque coach joined the Catalans only two years ago but it hasn't gone unnoticed.

Even though he is the oldest coach to work at the club in a while, when he took over for Athletico Bilbao, he still looked rather young. His time in Catalonia included two humiliating exits from the Champions League, Neymar's departure and constant pressure from the media. No wonder that he has changed so much since then.

Do you agree that coaching Barcelona is the most stressful job in football?

DE JONG RULES NIKE’S MARKETING PROPOSAL OUT

• De Jong will his surname on the shirt at Barca, after all.
• His sponsor Nike suggested his shirt should be signed 'Frenkie' instead, citing marketing reasons.
• The number he will wear is still unknown.

Frenkie de Jong had a Q&A with his fans on Instagram and someone asked if it's true that his Barca shirt will be signed Frenkie instead of de Jong. The midfielder answer was short: no, it will be saying de Jong, just like at Ajax.

The source of these rumours in Nike's marketing proposal. Back in February, in thw interview with Het Kontakt, de Jong revealed that his advertising partner Nike would've preferred him to use the name 'Frenkie' rather than more traditional surname, de Jong on his shirt. However, the player also added that he is 'not sure about that.' It appears that he has made his decision and will stick with 'de Jong'.

The number he will be playing with is still unknown, although he would allegedly like to continue with '21' he has had at Ajax. The No.21 shirt used to belong to Rafinha, however, it is currently owned by Carles Alena. The young Spaniard was promoted to the senior team following the Brazilian's season-ending knee ligaments injury. Perhaps, the midfielder would have to switch to another number.

DE LIGT SETS DEADLINE FOR HIS FUTURE TO BE SORTED OUT

• Barca have a 70-million euros agreement on de Ligt's transfer with Ajax.
• Some things still need to be sorted out between Barcelona and the player's agent, Mino Raiola.
• De Ligt wants the move to be completed before 24 May when he joins the national team.
• In the next 10 days, the final meeting should take place between Barca and de Ligt where everything will be signed.
• The move will be announced after Copa final.

Despite Matthijs de Ligt's transfer to Barcelona being roughly agreed on, the official announcement is still pending.

According to Diario Sport, there are several reasons for that. Firstly, it's de Ligt'sgreat performances in the Champions League that saw many other European clubs interested and trying to outbid Barca for the centre-back. Secondly, it's the player's agent, Mino Raiola, who is notoriously 'difficult' to deal with in negotiations. This last factor has even prompted Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to take charge of the transfer himself, just like he did previously with Frenkie de Jong. 

Blaugrana colours would really suit them, wouldn't they?

In any case, the deal is nearing its completion and, according to Sport's information, de Ligt wants everything sorted out before 24 May when he joins Holland on national duty. Ajax's final game this season will take place on Wednesday and after that the 19-year-old will have a 10-day break before joining the national team. During this period the two parties will meet again to sign the final agreement.

OFFICIAL STARTING XI BARCELONA VS CELTA VIGO

Barca's XI: Cillessen, Wagué, Todibó, Umtiti, Vermaelen; Aleñá, Arthur, Riqui Puig; Malcom, Boateng, Dembelé.

Subs: Iñaki Peña, Murillo, Lenglet, Semedo, Vidal, Collado, Coutinho.

Barcelona make the trip to Celta Vigo this weekend on the back of a hugely-successful week for the club.

The Catalan giants sealed the La Liga crown last Saturday as Lionel Messicame off the bench to net the decisive goal in a 1-0 triumph over Levante.

Ernesto Valverde's side have also taken a significant step towards reaching the Champions League final courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Out: Rafinha (knee)

Valverde will almost certainly rest each of his first XI from midweek, and the starting lineup is expected to be similar to the one which faced Huesca last month.

Barcelona switched to a back three on that day, and Samuel Umtiti, Jeison Murilloand Thomas Vermaelen are likely to be handed rare outings in defence.

Jean-Clair Todibo should also get another opportunity to impress, with Carles Alena and Riqui Puig joining the January arrival in midfield.

Malcom may be asked to play as an attack-minded left-wing back, with Senegal international Moussa Wague being used on the opposite side of the pitch.

Ousmane Dembele and Kevin-Prince Boateng should form the attack, with each of Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Messi not being involved.

GUARDIOLA NAME REASON FOR BARCA WIN OVER LIVERPOOL

• Pep Guardiola has nothing bad to say about Liverpool's performance against Barca.
• He thinks the game was 'incredibly good'.
• And Man City manager also doesn't believe Barca's win vs LFC will help him in the title race.
• Pep also names the reason for Barca's victory - Leo Messi.

Barcelona brilliantly beat Liverpool 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

The Reds' main competitor for the Premier League title Pep Guardiola was there to witness that tough moment for Liverpool. He watched the game from the Camp Nou stands supporting Barca as a regular Cule.

Barcelona legend does not believe Liverpool's defeat will throw them off course right before the end of the season because their performance was good:

"I don't think so, the game was incredibly good, both sides," Pep told reporters on Friday. "Liverpool were outstanding and a good performance from both. I enjoyed watching it," Guardiola said.

"I don't think it will affect them, I think it will be not easy at Newcastle but they'll be well prepared to win there."

And the reason for the Champions League result is obvious for Pep - it's just Messi:

"Yes [it's Messi].

"I think Barca defended really well, they beat an incredible team. Liverpool must be proud of what they did in the most difficult stadium, they played with personality and courage. Both teams played the way they did and they deserve it."

MARIO BALOTELLI WANTS MESSI VS RONALDO COMPARISON TO END

• The Italian forward asks his Instagram followers to stop the comparisons 'for the love of football'.
• Balotelli's words came after Messi's second goal vs Liverpool.

Mario Balotelli was watching Barcelona vs Liverpool and couldn't help himself from voicing his opinion on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry.

The Italian striker took to Instagram right after Messi's sensational free-kick goal and wrote: "A phenomenon. For the love of football please do not compare him to the no. 7 of Juventusanymore."

Barcelona defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Luis Suarez's goal and Messi's brace brought Barca the extremely important victory on Wednesday. The return leg will be played on May 7 at Anfield.

Messi scored his first goal by picking up the ball that has bounced off the crossbar after Luis Suarez's shot and tapping it in. His second goal was way more difficult as the ball was placed approximately 26 metres away from Alisson's goal. Nevertheless, Messi scored yet another free-kick goal this season striking the ball right into the top corner.

OFFICIAL STARTING XI BARCELONA VS LIVERPOOL

• Arturo Vidal sensationally starts in the midfield instead of Arthur.
• Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho both start as well.

Ernesto Valverde names his strongest squad to face Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

As it was expected earlier, he opts for the possession-orientated football and includes Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho among the starting XI.

Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Roberto; Vidal, Busquets, Rakitic; Coutinho, Suarez, Messi.

There were rumours that Arthur is set to start instead of Vidal, however, the coach decides otherwise.

The starting lineups are in for Wednesday's gigantic Champions League semifinal showdown between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Camp Nou. The first-leg battle is set for 3 p.m. ET -- stream via  fuboTV (Try for free) -- and neither team is fielding any big surprises, but one of Liverpool's stars didn't make the starting XI. 

The big lineup story leading up to this onewas whether Roberto Firmino would play at all, but the Brazilian striker isn't in the starting lineup for Liverpool. He's been named to the bench after missing out on the team's last league game as he recovers from an ankle injury, but there's a chance he'll come on as a substitute. 

Here are the lineups:

Barcelona: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Gerard Piqué, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal; Lionel Messi. Luis Suárez, Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool: Alisson; Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Fabinho, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita; Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah

RAKITIC HIT BACK AT KLOPP ASKING HIM TO RESPECT CAMP NOU

• The Croatian believes the Reds' coach 'wanted to take the pressure off his players'.
• However, Rakitic urges to show more respect to the unique atmosphere: "It's a different stadium, with a different atmosphere and that you have to respect."
• He also admits he wishes Barca could always play at home.
• Previously, Klopp said that Camp Nou isn't 'a football temple'.

Ivan Rakitic faces the press ahead of Wednesday's first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Liverpool. He issues a warning to the Reds' head coach Jurgen Klopp who has lately diminished the importance of Camp Nou.

The Croatian fires back: "Klopp wanted to take the pressure off his players, I respect his opinion, playing at the Camp Nou is something different, special, it does not matter whether it's a temple or not."

However, he highlights the importance of respect between the sides: "It's a different stadium, with a different atmosphere and that you have to respect. I wish we could always play at the Camp Nou, we have to respect the opinion of everyone."

On Monday, Klopp said in an interview to DAZN: "The Camp Nou is just a stadium, quite big, but it's not a football temple."

FC Barcelona official Twitter account responded in style the following day: "This is Camp Nou. Our home. Our temple. Our fortress."

KLOPP NAME THE WINNER OF MESSI VS RONALDO DUET

• The German picks up the Argentinean: "Messi would be for me – as a player I’ve seen – the No.1. 100 per cent."
• He chooses him ahead of both Cristiano Ronaldo and even Pele.
• In fact, Messi is the main contender for the 2019 Ballon d'Or. 

During his traditional pre-match presser ahead of the Barcelona vs Liverpool Champions League semi-finals, Jurgen Klopp gets involved in the neverending Leo Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debates. The German specialist appears to be a true fan of the Argentinean.

Liverpool official website quote Klopp as saying:

"Messi would be for me – as a player I’ve seen – the No.1. 100 per cent, that’s me. Cristiano Ronaldo is for sure in that as well and all the rest we have to see, I have coached a few really good players, but they didn’t finish their careers and they still have time to develop. My father always said it was Pele, but I didn’t see Pele live – I am too young for that. There are lot of good players around, but that’s my ranking – Leo is, for me, the best."

What about Messi vs Ronaldo battle? Apparently, the Argentinean is set to win it. He has already scored 46 goals in 45 matches in all competitions as he is also the leading scorer in both La Liga and Champions League. The Portuguese, meanwhile, has only scored 27 goals in 40 matches.

In fact, Messi has completely beaten his long-time rival this term. Unlike Cristiano, the Argentinean is still fighting for a treble as Barcelona face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final. Moreover, Messi is currently the Champions League goalscorer with 10 goals this season. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was unable to prevent defeats to Ajax and Atalanta which saw Juventusout of the Champions League and Coppa Italia respectively.

Summing up, Messi is now the main contender for the 2019 Ballon d'Or award.