Lionel Messi: 'Barcelona and Manchester City evenly matched'

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has said that he is expecting a tough test when his side visits Manchester City in the Champions League.

The Argentine has admitted that the teams are evenly matched ahead of the first leg of the last-16 fixture.

"They are a team made up of great players, so it will be a difficult tie," he told Mundo Leo. "Their objective is to go through because they haven't done for a while.

"It will be an even match-up and the little details will be what makes the difference. It will be a great game, and City have reinforced a lot [since last season]."

Barcelona approach the match having won their last 11 games in all competitions.