Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt has tipped Lionel Messi as the best player in the world. Messi had moved to PSG Saint Germain in the previous season after spending more than 17 years at FC Barcelona, where he took massive strides in his career.

But, the Argentine didn’t have a great maiden season with the Parisians as he could only score 11 goals and provided 15 assists in Ligue 1. 

However, the talisman has turned the tables in the ongoing season for the French club as he has scored eight goals and has provided as many assists in the 13 matches he has played thus far.

Meanwhile, Benfica is all set to face PSG Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League clash and Schmidt revealed that his team’s combination will change if Messi will play.

Roger Schmidt said (via L’Equipe): “For me, Leo is still the best player in the world, and if he plays, obviously that changes our approach a bit, because we are talking about a special footballer, especially in the final third. As we have to find a solution to replace [David] Neres, Paris will find a solution to replace him.”

Earlier last week, both of these teams had shared the spoils as they had played a 1-1 draw and Schmidt is expecting another tough match.

“We are still expecting a very difficult match. We are up against one of Europe’s top teams, and in the first leg it was very attacking, it was a great match. This time we don’t have the advantage of the stadium but we are on the same idea of believing in our qualities and playing our football.”

Messi had missed PSG’s last match against Reims due to an injury and it will be interesting to note if he plays on Tuesday PSG will host Benfica.