Rivaldo fires back at Matthaus' claim Lewandowski is better than Messi

Rivaldo fires back at Matthaus' claim Lewandowski is better than Messi

 Leon Goretzka, jugador del Bayern habló sobre Messi y Ter Stegen / | Perform

"It's risky to make anyone a clear favourite when you face Barça - they have the best player in the world"

"To make anyone a clear favourite when you face Barcelona, who are full of confidence and have the best player in the world - Leo Messi - I think is a little risky," Rivaldo said. The 'Betfair' ambassador was responding to remarks made by Lothar Matthaus who claimed Bayern were big favourites going into the match against Barça. He also said Lewandowski was now a better player than Messi.

"Bayern are slight favourites. If it was a two-legged match, Barcelona would have less chance of progressing. In a one-off match, it's a magnificant opportunity for Barça," Rivaldo believes. "They must focus for 90 minutes and take advantage of any Bayern errors. They'll have chances to advance."

As for the Lewandowski-Messi debate, the Brazilian believes that is much more clear-cut. "You have to understand his words. He's a former Bayern player and is a huge fan of Lewandowski: I don't think he was trying to provoke Messi. Lewandowski is an extraordinary player and would be a candidate for FIFA's award, but he first needs to topple the current best, who is Messi."

Rivaldo believes that if Dembele has fully recovered, he could be "decisive" due to his pace and talent. "If he's ready, Setien must use him."  On Arthur, his compatriot who went AWOL from Barcelona after LaLiga had finished, Rivaldo said: "It's bad news for the club. We still don't know everything that happened but it hurts both parties." 

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