Arsenal vs Barcelona FC preview: Messi set to steal the show with Gunners legend Henry consigned to the bench

This was supposed to be about Thierry Henry making his emotional return to Arsenal. But instead the 22-year-old who has been called the best player ever will take centre stage tonight.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta made the ­outrageous claim about Lionel Messi, the precocious Argentinian forward and former classmate of Cesc Fabregas.

Messi and Fabregas played in the same youth team at Barcelona before, at 16, the Spaniard left his boyhood heroes to join Arsenal where he has gone on to become captain and star player.

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But Messi has blossomed at Barcelona and this season has hit new heights, being crowned World Player of the Year.

His brilliant recent ­performances have brought him eight goals in his last three starts. That is why Henry will get a hero’s reception on his ­homecoming tonight, but all eyes will be on the player expected to be the big star of this summer’s World Cup and held up to be a name as big as Pele, Maradona and Cruyff in the future.

The only problem for ­Barcelona coach Pep ­Guardiola is he believes Laporta’s claim has come too soon. Guardiola said last night: “He is only 22, and handles the pressure well. “But it was wrong to say that at this stage. He is too young to describe him as the best player ever. Over time, he can get even better and prove that.

“I’m sure that when he finishes his career he will be one of the best players in the world. Absolutely." Messi’s Barcelona team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic added: “Leo is a fantastic player. Everyone who loves football or even those who don’t understand football will think he’s a great player.

“He has already won ­everything and can get better. “The biggest threat to him is the motivation and whether he can keep going and improving at the highest level.” Messi will have even more pressure on his shoulders as Barcelona will be without key midfielder Andres Iniesta whose hamstring injury may also rule him out of the return leg next week.

However, even the absence of Iniesta will not guarantee former Arsenal captain Henry a starting place for ­Barcelona. In fact, Spain under-21 star Pedro is expected to start with Henry left on the bench. ­Guardiola hinted as much, adding: “He is a player who still has Arsenal in his heart but we’ll have to see who plays. It’s more important we do a good job for the club.

“He’s returning home but winning is the most important thing.“Titi has a lot of experience, he’s an exceptional player. He’s used to playing in big games. He is the best player to have played at Arsenal, scored more than 100 goals and he’s a special player.”

But while Guardiola was rich in his praise for Henry, that was nothing compared to his admiration for Arsene Wenger. Ex-Spain and Barca midfielder Guardiola spent time at Arsenal’s training ground, learning from Wenger earlier in his career. Guardiola insisted he was one of the best coaches in the world – but warned that Barcelona will leave emotion behind and says they are going on all-out attack.

Guardiola said: “Mr Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world, and has won many, many titles.

“He’s changed the mentality of this club and is the reason why people around the world respect and admire him and Arsenal. They are a phenomenal team.

“We all know that scoring an away goal is very important for the away leg so we will have attacking intentions. We will also defend well, but we will try to score – that’s our main idea.” Cesc Fabregas is the big concern for with Wenger naming a 19-man squad with youngster Craig Eastmond on standby for the bench.

Samir Nasri will step in for Fabregas if he does not make it with Tomas Rosicky ready to, slot in on the right.

Source: Mirror