The La Liga leaders were dealt a devastating blow last summer when Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain sensationally activated the Brazilian’s €222million release clause.
The break up of Barca’s destructive “MSN” trio coupled with the club’s subsequent scrambled transfer business led to a bleak outlook ahead of the the 2017/18 campaign.
However, boss Ernesto Valverde has steered the club to an unbeaten 11-point lead in the Spanish top flight with the Blaugrana also looking strong in Europe.
And five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi says they have actually benefited from Neymar’s exit.
“Without Neymar we are more balanced,” Messi told World Soccer.
“His departure meant a change in our way of playing, we lost a lot of attacking potential, but it helped in the defensive sense.
“We are currently very well armed in the midfield; this makes us stronger in defence.”
Messi's Dominance in La Liga 17-18 so far:
— adí (@posicionMessi) January 28, 2018
Most Goals:
MESSI: 19
#2: 15
Most Assists:
MESSI: 9
#2: 9
Mins per Goal:
#1: 91
MESSI: 94
Best Avg Rating:
MESSI: 8.76
#2: 7.93
Big Chances Created:
MESSI: 21
#2: 10
Successful Dribbles per Match:
MESSI: 5.8
#2: 3.1
Barca meet Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League next month but the Argentine superstar considers another English side as serious contenders for European honours this season.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have mirrored Barca in their dominating domestic form and the 30-year-old has tipped the runaway Premier League leaders for a first Champions League triumph.
“Manchester City are one of the strongest teams in the world at the moment,” he added. “The same goes for PSG.
“However, there’s a lot of football still to play and I don’t rule out Real Madrid yet as they have a lot of quality and experience. Then there’s Bayern Munich, another great team who will fight till the end. But right now, City and PSG are the best.”
Messi’s side are back in action on Sunday as they host Alaves before a tricky Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg clash against Valencia on Thursday.
