Lionel Messi will face Real Madrid once again, months after his move from Barcelona to PSG.
Clubs that have made it to the knockout stage of the Champions League discovered their last-16 opponents on Monday.
PSG, who qualified as Group A’s second team, will face Real Madrid in the standout fixture of the last-16 round. Both sides are favourites to win the title. However, one of them will crash out of the competition early.
The match will also mark the return of PSG defender Sergio Ramos to his former club. Ramos was part of PSG’s busy transfer window, which also saw Lionel Messi end his 21-year stay at Barcelona.
As El Clasico’s all-time top scorer, the Argentine icon is one of Real Madrid’s worst nightmares. In a new interview with Marca, the PSG star reacted to the draw.
“PSG’s goal is the Champions League,” the 34-year-old said. “It’s everyone’s goal. It’s a special competition for all the great teams.”
Asked about his life in Paris and whether he feels settled, the Argentine responded: “It was a very big change because we have been living in the same place for a long time, it wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “But now we’re very well in a spectacular city, playing for one of the best teams in the world. We’re very happy.”
Messi provided an assist for Kylian Mbappe in his side’s 2-0 win over Monaco on Sunday. PSG will face SC Feignies in a French Cup match next week.
The first leg of PSG’s battle against Real Madrid will take place in Parc des Princes on February 15. The two sides will then meet again for the second leg on March 9.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Champions League
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
