That’s the opinion of the Ligue 1 side’s president, Jean-Michel Aulas. Barcelona are currently on course to retain the La Liga title meaning there will be extra emphasis on the Champions League this season. They play Lyon in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday. All eyes will be on Messi as he looks to lead the Catalans to their sixth Champions League trophy.

The Argentine has managed three goals in four matches against the French club so far and he will be looking to extend that run on Tuesday. But Lyon president Aulas has claimed that Messi is never at his best against his side, which might come back to haunt him. In an interview with newspaper Le Figaro, the president claimed Messi has never been “inspired” when testing himself against them. When asked who the best opponent Lyon have faced, it was Messi’s rival Ronaldo who took the plaudits.

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"Cristiano Ronaldo with Manchester United in 2004,” he said. “We led 2-0 at half-time and after he goes back to him alone, delay, it was a rocket. "We faced boys like [David] Beckham, Messi, even though the Argentinian was never very inspired against us. “We hope that it will last. He may have a flu, that would be nice.”

Lionel Messi: Ronaldo hurt Lyon for Man United back in 2004