Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer insists the only difference between the Bundesliga giants and Barcelona is Lionel Messi.
The Germans take on Barca in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, hoping to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg, and Bayern honorary President Beckenbauer admits it is a more than difficult task his team face.
“I won’t hide the fact I have great doubts because Barcelona are in fantastic form, as we saw last Wednesday,” said Beckenbauer in an interview with L’Equipe.
“The third goal was terrible for us because at 0-2 there was still a real possibility we were in with a chance. Now, however, the tie appears doomed, although in life miracles do happen.
“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.
“Right now he is the best player in the world but the best of all time is Pele, who is just ahead of him.
“I played with Pele at [New York] Cosmos in 1977 and I’ve never seen a player like that. You gave him the ball and after that you didn’t see him again because he was so quick. It was all done by instinct. “
The 69-year-old admitted Bayern will be aiming to be active in the transfer market this summer.
“I’m convinced this club is going to sign some great players as we have more than six in the squad who are over 30 years of age.
“It’s now a question of how long they can play at the highest level and now is the time to bring in new blood.”
