Javier Pastore: 'Lionel Messi match will be emotional'

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore has admitted his excitement ahead of his side's Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Barcelona.

Pastore will line up against his Argentina international teammate Lionel Messi, a player he considers the best in the world.

The 23-year-old believes that the game will be emotional but insists that PSG can progress to the semi-finals.

"He's the best player in the world," Pastore told PSG's official website when asked about Messi. "He shows it match after match.

"For us Argentines, he is a reference and an example. I am delighted to be playing against him, it will be a very special moment for me. There will be some emotion.

"At this level of competition every team is strong, but anything is possible. We need to play two great matches of football. It's the only way of getting through the round."

PSG welcome Barca for the first leg on Tuesday evening.