Quique Setien has insisted that Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi remains a cut above Bayern Munich’s prolific striker Robert Lewandowski.

Messi and Lewandowski will go head-to-head on Friday when Barcelona face Bayern in a mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final showdown in Portugal.

Former Bayern and Germany defender Lothar Matthaus this week claimed in-form Lewandowski has now jumped ahead of Messi in the global player standings, having fired a stunning 53 goals in 44 games this term.

“It’s always been special here but really, the team spirit we’ve had this year has been exceptionally good.

“It’s incredibly difficult to win this Champions League title, but I think we have the opportunity, with our squad, to achieve something special this year.”