Pastore: Messi has never not been at his best

Paris Saint Germain midfielder, Javier Pastore insists that Messi is never not at his best and has defender his compatriot ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between PSG and Barcelona.

In a recent interview with Spanish sports daily AS, Pastore defended Messi and stressed that the Argentine has always been at his best, even when he hasn’t scored multiple goals a game.

“Leo never lost his best version.  There are very few players who can maintain his pace and tenacity season after season, always scoring goals and showing who is the best.”

Pastore then analysed this Barcelona side, who he feels are more aggressive and will present a challenge.

“Barca are much more aggressive than their previous campaigns.  Obviously we like to retain possession too and in that light, tomorrow’s game will be very hard-fought.  We need to know going into it that both teams want to retain possession and control the midfield.  I don’t think that we’ll park the bus and spring on the counter attack like we did last year; we’ll look to play the ball, like always.”

Pastore then spoke about the possible absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but insists that they have weapons to rival Barcelona without the towering Swede.

“We don’t know if he’ll be with us or not.  It depends a lot on Ibra and we’ve adapted to his absence for several weeks now.  We are aware that there is a lot of quality in the squad and whoever takes his place can do just as well.  Lavezzi will be out too, but Edison (Cavani), Lucas Moura or whoever the manager decides, will do well. We had an inconsistent start to the season and we’re still feeling the effects.”