In a recent interview with World Soccer magazine, Messi talked about the current state of Barcelona and about Neymar, who left the team last summer.
On Neymar's departure, Messi said, "Neymar left and it changed the way we play. We lost a lot of our attacking side, but it helped our defense. Now we are deployed well in midfield and without Neymar we are more balanced."
On Real Madrid's poor form, Messi said, "It's only temporary. It's not the first time, we've seen this situation before, but they're quickly making a run at all the titles again because they're the kind of team they are, they have the kind of players they have, and they've always been able to do it."
On his relationship with Cairo, Messi said, "We don't have a friendship. We only see each other and talk to each other during award ceremonies. That's all well and good, but our lives don't intersect."
On the Champions League matches, Messi said, "Currently Manchester City is one of the strongest teams, as is Paris. But there is still a lot of soccer to be played and I can't leave out Real Madrid, who have a lot of high-level, experienced players. There is also Bayern, another good team. But so far, Manchester City is the strongest along with Paris."
