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Tevez warns United team-mates about compatriot Messi

21/04/2008

Carlos Tevez has warned his Manchester United team-mates that Lionel Messi poses the biggest danger for Barcelona.

Messi is set to start against United in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday after a six-week injury layoff.

The Argentine striker had bagged 15 goals in 23 games before he suffered a muscle tear against Celtic last month.

United striker Tevez, 24, said the return of Messi will be a major boost for the Catalan giants.

"Barcelona are one team with Messi but completely different without him. He is from another planet," Tevez said.

"He is very quick out of the blocks, he is a fantastic player. He is the main point of reference and the key man in the whole Barca team."

"While he is a big danger for us, it is better he plays because we will have beaten the real Barcelona or gone out to the real team.

"If we beat them with Messi they will have no excuses."

Without Messi, Frank Rijkaard's side have slumped in La Liga and are without a win in their last four matches.

Messi is expected to start in a three-man attack with Samuel Eto'o and ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

The 20-year-old said the first leg at the Nou Camp will not be a duel between himself and United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Cristiano is a great player. He showed it last season and he's showing it this season with many goals," Messi said.

"But the game is between Manchester and Barcelona, not between Ronaldo and me. It's a game between two great teams."