We must beware of Real Madrid- Messi

Lionel Messi is looking forward to partnering up with Neymar at Barcelona, whilst he also shows respect towards Real Madrid for next season.

The Argentine is currently in Senegal in the off season on a promotional visit for his charity foundation  and has chatted with reporters this week on a number of topics, starting with the change in Coach at rivals Real Madrid.

“I think the Spanish League is difficult anyway and will continue being difficult,” Messi mused to reporters at the Aspire Academy.

“We'll be fighting against strong teams with great players like Real Madrid.

“[Jose] Mourinho was a great Coach but we know that Ancelotti is equally great.

“I think Mourinho will also succeed back at Chelsea because he's a great manager.”

Messi will line up alongside Neymar at the Camp Nou next season.

“I know Neymar is a great player who is going to bring a lot to Barcelona,' he said. 'God willing, we will be able to play together at Barca.

“I am sure he can contribute a lot. Hopefully he can continue at Barca what he is doing with Brazil.

“I think we have a great team and great players, as we've shown over the years.

“The goal next season will be to fight for everything.”

Former Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola also began his coaching stint with Bayern Munich this week.

“Bayern were already a great team before Guardiola.

“They won it all last season and they have great players. Pep’s arrival will make them stronger.

“Winning the Champions League is always difficult and our objective is trying to win everything and succeed in all competitions.

“That's how we work at Barcelona. You talk of Germany dominating football recently - I don't know what is going to happen in the future.

“I know Germany have a history of great teams in global football at international level and club level.

“Winning the Champions League is difficult for anyone, whether they are from Germany or Spain. But I know Germany had a great year last year.”