Lucas Moura excited to face 'hero' Lionel Messi

Lucas Moura has admitted that combating his "idol" Lionel Messi will prove tricky when Paris Saint-Germain host Barcelona in their first-leg Champions League quarter-final.

The Argentine superstar comes into Wednesday's clash at Parc des Princes with seven goals in last seven games in all competitions for the Catalans.

Lucas made his comeback from injury in Saturday's Coupe de la Ligue final success over Bastia, and the Brazilian hopes that he plays when his hero comes to town.

"He was always my idol. I think he's the best player in the world and he is back above everyone else," he told AS. "It will be very difficult to play against him. We will have to work hard to stop him.

"You have to be realistic and Messi is the best. Of course there is a rivalry between Brazil and Argentina but we are a country of football. So when there are great players we admit that.

"It's always nice to play against them, although I don't know if it'll be for the whole game. It will be a challenge and a very close tie. We are all very excited."

The European giants met twice in this season's edition of the group stage, with Barcelona winning 3-1 at Camp Nou after losing 3-2 in Paris.