Messi is the best in the world: Sampaoli

Jorge Sampaoli spoke to the media ahead of taking on Real Madrid with Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. However, the names of Barcelona and Lionel Messi came to mind.

Sampaoli said that the clash with Real Madrid would not affect his team’s preparation for the game against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on the 14th, saying: ‘The mind is focussed on Real Madrid. When it goes (the European Super Cup) it will be time to turn our minds to Barcelona.’

He continued: ‘Barcelona seem equal to Real Madrid to me. It`s hard. You have to look at them as opponents.’

The Argentine coach added, of his compatriot Messi, ‘Barcelona have great footballers, and on top of that, the best in the world. The game will be very special.’

The immediate challenge for Sevilla is breaking their run of defeats - they lost the 2014 UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid and then the 2015 version against Barcelona.