lionel messi is better than cristiano ronaldo says barcelona crew mate philippe coutinho

that’s according to his barcelona team mate philippe coutinho, who moved to the nou camp from liverpool in january.

messi ignored barcelona’s l.  a. liga victory over malaga on saturday after the delivery of his baby.

coutinho netted barca’s 2d within the 2-zero victory after luis suarez had hit the opener.

and previous liverpool star coutinho believes there's no person better than messi.

coutinho stated: "leo is the great in the international, we usually need him.

"but something nice has passed off in his existence, i congratulate him and now we're anticipating him to go back for the next fit."

lionel messi must go back as barcelona host chelsea in the champions league remaining-sixteen second leg in midweek.

the tie is stage at 1-1 after messi netted at stamford bridge.

barcelona already have l.  a. liga all however won, eleven points beforehand of atletico madrid at the pinnacle of the desk.

and having picked up another three points on saturday, cognizance now turns to dealing with antonio conte’s guys.

coutinho brought: "we came to play a hard game and we scored early.

"with one greater intention, we controlled the suit and we left satisfied with the three points.

"now we can reflect onconsideration on chelsea."