Barça is more balanced after Neymar exit, Manchester City are genuine Champions League contenders - Lionel Messi (Details, pics)

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has stated clearly that the Catalan giants are not missing Brazilian winger Neymar who left the club for a move to Paris-Saint-Germain.

Messi who is five-time Ballon d'Or-winner believes Nou Camp giants now have more balance following the Brazilian's move to PSG.

Many have predicted that Barcelona will suffer the consequence of selling Neymar to Paris-Saint-Germain, but the Catalan giants proved the talks wrong as they are currently topping the Spanish La Liga standings.

Barcelona are also the only unbeaten team this season in the Spanish La Liga.

“Without Neymar we are more balanced. His departure led to a change in the way we play.“We have lost a lot of our offensive potential but we have improved in defense. We have more balance and this allows us to be more solid.” Messi told Mirror.

Barcelona will meet Premier League champions Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, and Lionel Messi believes Manchester City are the only genuine EPL side that can contend for the Champions League trophy.

“Manchester City are one of the strongest teams around, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.

“I also do not exclude Real Madrid in terms of quality and experience even though they have not yet achieved the expected results.

“Then there’s Bayern Munich, another great team who will play until the end. Today, however, the best are Man City and PSG.” Messi said.