Gerrard was my toughest opponent

From Best to Messi and McGrath to Gerrard — oh, and not forgetting Bernie Slaven! These are the stand-out players of my time.

Lionel Messi’s significant cameo appearance against Paris St Germain on Wednesday night at the Camp Nou, despite him being hampered by a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg, just showed yet again the very special player he is.

It was bordering on comical when the camera panned to him every so often on the bench as he literally couldn’t sit still. But even though it was clear to see that he wasn’t fully fit, the effect he had on the game was frightening. Barcelona are a superb side blessed with players of immense ability, but they are simply not the same without him. He gave everyone a lift when he came on the pitch, including the crowd, and played a key role in the goal that sent Barca through to the Champions League semi-finals.