Messi one of the world's best, says Cavani

 

The Uruguayan is looking forward to his side's Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona but is fully aware of the threat the Catalans pose

Edinson Cavani has reminded his Paris Saint-Germain team-mates of the threat posed by Lionel Messi ahead of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Barcelona.

The French champions, fresh off the back of a 4-0 Coupe de la Ligue final win over Bastia, beat the Catalans at home in the group stage, only to lose the Camp Nou return 3-1.

The Uruguayan is looking forward to the challenge of helping PSG reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1995 but is fully aware of the task at hand.

"It's a major challenge," he told AS.

"Barcelona are one of the greatest teams in the world and Messi is one of the best players in the world. It's aways a please to play against them. We beat them in the group stage, playing great football."

PSG reached the last eight thanks to a thrilling away goals win over Chelsea in March, which saw them come from behind twice to claim a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first-half red card.

"That was a strong step forward. The whole group was united and eliminated one of the favourites of the Champions League.

"PSG are a big club who continue to grow in Europe. We are at an advanced stage of the competition, so we must be very wary of Barca's movement."

PSG are still hopeful of winning all four titles this term and Cavani says that ambition is driving his side on.

"For us, the hope of getting all four titles is a luxury. We train for that every day so the owners trust us. It's a great responsibility. PSG have personality."

PSG host Barcelona on Wednesday, with the second leg following on Tuesday April 21.