Argentine Lionel Messi said today that the final of the Champions League that his team, Barcelona, playing in Rome on Wednesday with Manchester United is the most important of his career."I could not enjoy the final in Paris because of injury I had, but luckily I have a new opportunity now. It is the most important of my career," said Messi, 21, at the open day of UEFA during the final.
Argentina Barcelona star could not be due to injury in the 2006 final, which Barcelona won the European title up to beat the Arsenal.
"There are no favorites or revenge for last year," he said about the victory of United in the semifinals in 2008.
"There are two great teams full of great players. If we have to give a favorite, perhaps because they won last year, but expect a very open final. The Manchester will football that made the Chelsea," he said, ruling out a scheme ultradefensivo those of Alex Ferguson as posed by Guus Hiddink, who did so much suffering to Barcelona in the semis.
Messi believes that Barcelona and Manchester have been as "the two best football teams have played all year," and that the bet offer both offensive is the key to success. Barcelona won the League and Cup in Spain and the "red devils", the League Cup, the World and Premier League clubs.
"They do a very similar to our football. They like to play the ball fairly low and they are very good at the counter, with people as fast as Tevez and Cristiano," warned the tip azulgrana.
Precisely because of the good football displayed by his team, believes that Barcelona deserved to win the Champions. " "I realize that many people that is not what Bar ‡ admired for his football. We deserve this reward."
The Argentine had to answer many questions about the duel with the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, both of which are considered the best players in the world.
"It's very destabilizing, and a player that you can decide a game at any time. It's hard to stop, have much scoring, it is very complete," Messi praised the Portuguese.
The Argentine also stressed the figure of his compatriot Carlos Tevez and Patrice Evra French side, which is surely his marker in Rome on Wednesday. "I respect him because he is a great player as demonstrated last year. Let's see what happens this time," he said with a spirit of revenge.
Barcelona looking for a new triplet. "We know we are close to making history. Although we do not win, will be a great season. We have opportunities, both players have been playing by the way throughout the year. We're playing in a spectacular".
Messi was the key to the game. "The most important is that we can make our game, that is, to have possession of the ball, and sometimes we think. Those goals do not matter."
"I hope it is an open end for the good of football and for people to enjoy."
