LIONEL MESSI would love to see Celtic back in the Champions League – ‘where they belong’.

The Barcelona superstar will go head-to-head with the Hoops on Saturday in Dublin as part of the International Champions Cup.

1 Argentina forward Messi says he knows from experience what a big club Celtic are Credit: PA:Press Association

And while he's eager to inflict as much damage as possible on Brendan Rodgers' side, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner hopes to see the Parkhead side back at Europe's top table soon.

He said: "We have had some games against Celtic that I will always remember, and they are a big club, with big fans, and I would like to see them qualify this year - it is where they belong."

A late equaliser from Leigh Griffiths has given Celtic a good chance of getting through their latest Champions League qualifier against Astana of Kazakhstan.

The tie is finely poised heading into the return leg at Parkhead this Wednesday and Messi has backed the Glasgow giants to get the job done.

He said: “For Celtic they have much more important games than this coming up with the Champions League qualifiers, but this can help them prepare.

"It is always a good atmosphere against Celtic. For the players at Barcelona who experienced the games in Europe against them, they will know what to expect from their fans.

"It is only a friendly, but I don’t think their fans know what a friendly is. There are a lot of Celtic fans in Ireland, and I expect them to make a lot of noise and create another special atmosphere.”

While the Hoops are looking to reach the group stage before setting their next target Messi has one thing in mind - winning the competition.

He told Record Sport: “My aims this season is the same as always, to try and win every competition that Barcelona are in.

"That is what is expected of us as a club, not to prioritise, but to aim and win every competition that we are in.

“The Champions League is always a big competition for Barcelona. It is a special trophy, and one that I would like to win many more times. It is never easier, and this year will be no different.

"The big teams in Europe have all improved, but we are confident in our squad and confident about the season ahead.”

