Messi wants to change Barca’s Champions League fortunes

Lionel Messi has once again reiterated that the Champions League is in his mind this season.

The star playmaker, who had a difficult spell at the World Cup at Russia as Argentina were knocked out from the Round of 16 stage by eventual champions France, wanted to put things right for his club side and said that the Barcelona players still hurt over how the team lost to Roma last year.

Barca last won the Champions League in 2014/15 when Luis Enrique was manager. There have been many changes since then as the Blaugrana are in transition following the departures of midfield duo Xavi Hernandez, who left after the Champions League triumph last year and Andres Iniesta, who opted to move to Japan this season.

“This year we want the Champions League," Messi said to Catalunya Radio.

Last season, Barca were comfortable 4-1 winners at the Camp Nou but then lost the away quarterfinal second-leg tie to Roma 3-0 to get knocked out of the Champions League.

"We've been knocked out in the quarter-finals for the last three years and the last time was the worst of all because we arrived in Rome with a positive result in our favour."

"We have to win the competition... for the club, the team, the supporters. As we have such a spectacular squad, we can compete for that title."

Barcelona added Arturo Vidal and Brazilians Malcolm and Arthur to their squad while Paulinho returned to China. Whether the additions can propel Barca to Champions League success remains to be seen but Barca have once again started the league strongly and won 8-2 against Huesca last night.