GOAL

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lucas Moura has revealed Barcelona's Lionel Messi has "always been his role model in football".

The Brazilian says his nation's rivalry with Argentina hasn't stopped him from idolising the four-time Ballon d'Or winner

The 22-year-old moved to the French capital from Sao Paulo in January 2013 and took time to adapt to European football before emerging as one of Laurent Blanc's key men this season.

Having previously been criticised for his lack of end product, Moura has scored eight goals so far this term and will hope to add to that tally against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.

PSG face the Catalans in the first leg on Wednesday having already met in the group stage of the competition before Christmas, with the forward relishing the chance to face the man he says is the best in the world.

"He has always been my idol," he told AS.

"For some time I've been obsessed with his way of playing. I think he's the best player in the world, above all the rest.

"We must be realistic and Messi is the best. Of course, there is always a rivalry between Brazil and Argentina but we are a football country.

"It will be very difficult to play against him. We will have to work hard to stop him. If we get the victory it will be close.

"It's always nice to play against them. It will be a challenge and a very close tie. We are very excited."

Moura also had kind words for fellow Brazilian Neymar, who returned to goalscoring form with a sublime free-kick against Sevilla on Saturday.

"He's a football genius. I'm happy to say he is my friend. I love to watch him play for Barca, they will help him a lot."