Milan will have to stop the greatest player of all-time if they are to get past Barcelona in the Champions League, says Adriano Galliani.
Speaking after the Rossoneri were paired with the reigning European champions, the Vice-President put the Argentine at the very top of the world game.
Milan will have to stop the greatest player of all-time if they are to get past Barcelona in the Champions League, says Adriano Galliani.
Speaking after the Rossoneri were paired with the reigning European champions, the Vice-President put the Argentine at the very top of the world game.
“I’ve seen Diego Maradona and Pele play, but I think that Messi is the greatest ever,” he told Milan Channel. “I’m seeing him play well, I hope he plays less well in the two games against us…”
There is no doubt that today’s draw was unkind to the Diavolo, but Galliani is remaining hopeful of qualification.
“It will be a tough game for us, as it will be for them, but we are not the most successful club in the world by chance,” he stated.
“The draw has gone the way it has gone, we’re used to it. In the last three seasons we have been drawn against Real Madrid and Barcelona. We’ll face Barca four times now this season.
“It’ll be a fantastic tie, the two games in the group stages finished 5-4 on aggregate to them but thanks to a generous penalty.
“Inter, in 2010, eliminated Barca after playing against them in the group stages. It would have been better to face Barcelona in the semis or the Final, but at least we’re in the last eight.”
Milan will be at home first, yet the former Lega Calcio chief thinks another aspect will be more important.
“Playing at home in the first or second leg doesn’t change things too much. The key thing is to have everyone fit and at the Coach’s disposal for the two matches.”