Five reasons why Barcelona v PSG is a huge match

Granada v Barcelona - Copa del Rey

Barcelona's bid to retain Lionel Messi

It would be wrong to suggest this match is a battle for the future of Lionel Messi, but there is little doubt that the two-legged affair between Barcelona and PSG has the capacity to have a bearing on his long-term future.

PSG, of course, have done little to hide their desire to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner when his contract is up in the summer. Sporting director Leonardo has openly courted the attacker, while several players, including compatriot Angel Di Maria and, most notably, Neymar have spoken about how much they would love to team up with the Argentine.

Messi wants to play with a team capable of challenging for the very best honors, and Barcelona have yet to show this season they are capable of that – despite a recent improvement.

If Barca were to lose to a PSG side over two legs that could be without both Neymar and Di Maria, it would deal a blow against them in keeping hold of the Argentine superstar.

Victory for Ronald Koeman’s men, though, may help persuade him that Barcelona are still capable of challenging for top honors. If they do progress, though, it will be with the caveat that PSG played the first leg, at least without two of their most important players.