CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Messi: PSG want Champions League after drawing Real Madrid
PSG's Lionel Messi reacted to the Champions League draw, which will see the French giants face Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi insisted Paris Saint-Germain's objective is to win the Champions League after being paired with Real Madrid in the round of 16.
LaLiga leaders Madrid stand in the way of PSG and the quarter-finals following a chaotic redraw due to a technical glitch on Monday.
PSG – initially drawn against Manchester United – were Champions League runners-up in 2019-20, however, the French giants have never conquered Europe.
Messi to face Madrid again
As former Barcelona superstar Messi prepares to reunite with Madrid – the first leg will be held on February 15 – the Ballon d'Or winner reinforced PSG's ultimate pursuit.
"The objective for PSG is to win the Champions League, that's everyone's aim," Messi said at the Dubai Expo 2020.
"The team has been very close before. It's an essential competition for all teams. We'll try to win it."
Messi swapped Barcelona for PSG in a blockbuster switch ahead of the 2021-22 season.
The 34-year-old was set to sign a new deal with Barca, but left Camp Nou after the Catalan giants announced that "financial and structural obstacles" had left them unable to retain his services.
Alive in Europe
Messi has scored one goal in 10 Ligue 1 appearances this season, while he has managed five goals in as many Champions League games.
"It was a very big change after so much time in the same place, so it wasn't easy," Messi said.
"But, we're all doing well in what is a spectacular city and at one of the best teams in the world."