Franz Beckenbauer: 'Lionel Messi the difference'

Former Bayern Munich boss Franz Beckenbauer has claimed that the only difference between the German champions and Barcelona is Lionel Messi.

Messi inspired Barca to a 3-0 lead over Bayern in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last week.

Bayern face a difficult task to turn the tie around on Wednesday, but the German believes that his former side will have a chance if they manage to stop Messi.

"Without Messi, though, Barca would be like any other team. He's amazing. Some months ago he found his best level again. With Barcelona it is him, and only him, who makes the difference," Beckenbauer told L'Equipe.

The 69-year-old managed Bayern during two separate spells and also represented the German giants as a player between 1964 and 1977.