Champions League: Lionel Messi Names 5 Teams that Can Stop PSG from Lifting Title

• Lionel Messi has identified five teams that he feels could rival Paris Saint-Germain for the Champions League title
• Whereas Messi conceded PSG are favourites, he reckons their journey to glory will not be a walk in the park
• The Barca icon named Liverpool and Man City among the five teams that can challenge PSG for the UCL title

Lionel Messi has taken stock of what could stand in Paris Saint-Germain's path on road to Champions League success.

The French giants are plotting to win the continental showpiece for the first time in their history, with Messi expected to play a central role.

PSG are already in the knockout phase of the European competition and are scheduled to face serial winners Real Madrid for a chance to reach the quarter-final.

However, Messi contends PSG's Champions League campaign will not be a walk in the park with a number of European heavyweights firmly in the tournament.

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Who does Messi rate as rivals for UCL title?

According to the seventh-time Ballon d'Or winner, PSG should expect stiff competition from at least five clubs in pursuit to win the UCL title.

The Barcelona icon believes Premier League giants Liverpool and Man City are amongst the Champions League contenders.

Other teams that the forward rate as favourites include Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

"But we are not the only ones, there are other great teams that are candidates. The Champions League is a very difficult competition, which makes it so beautiful and special," Messi told Marca.

"Today, Liverpool is doing very well, it has once again been the Liverpool that won the Champions League," he added when pressed to name the teams he rates as favourites.

"Then there are City, Bayern, Madrid, Atlético," he continued.

Rangnick speaks on dropping Maguire

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Ralf Rangnick has come to the defense of Harry Maguire after the defender coming under heavy criticism from fans and pundits.

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A section of Man United's fanbase has taken issue with Maguire's worrying form which has cost the team points on some occasions.

However, Rangnick has suggested there are no plans to banish the England international from the as he is yet to adapt his coaching style.