Van Bommel: Messi is the number one even without the Ballon d'Or Champions League Hoping for a surprise

PSV Eindhoven visit the Camp Nou on Tuesday to face Barcelona in a Champions League opener and coach Mark van Bommel believes they will come up against the world's best player in Lionel Messi.

The Argentine was left out of the shortlist for FIFA's The Best award, but the ex-Barcelona midfielder says that doesn't matter and that Messi is the best around.

"Messi is still number one," he said at his press conference.

"Even if he doesn't win the Ballon d'Or."

Van Bommel also hinted that his side would be able to cause an upset, saying that nothing should be ruled out.

"If I was satisfied be losing by as little as possible I would stay at home," he said.

"Barcelona are not at their very best, so let's try. There are always surprises in football."

As expected, Van Bommel was asked about his battle with Andres Iniesta in the 2010 World Cup final, but he quickly brushed off that question.

"It's amazing. It is something that happened in 2010, we're previewing a game in 2018."