Lionel Messi insists Barcelona are ‘better off’ without Neymar — and backs Manchester City for Champions League glory

LIONEL MESSI insists Barcelona are "better off" following the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian left the Nou Camp in the summer, with Real Madrid having pipped them to the title — and winning the Champions League for the second year running.

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Despite many predicting the end for the Catalans, they have stormed to the top of La Liga and are currently on course for the Treble.

And Messi, 30, claims the departure of the Brazilian superstar actually helped them. He told : “Without Neymar we are more balanced. His departure led to a change in the way we play.

“We have lost a lot of our offensive potential but we have improved in defence. We have more balance and this allows us to be more solid.”

Unbeaten Barcelona are among the favourites to win the Champions League this season and face Chelsea in the last-16.

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But Messi insists Premier League leaders Manchester City are one the strongest contenders.

He added: “Manchester City are one of the strongest teams around, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.

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“I also do not exclude Real Madrid in terms of quality and experience, even though they have not yet achieved the expected results.

“Then there’s Bayern Munich, another great team who will play until the end. Today, however, the best are City and PSG.”