The incredible comments Lionel Messi made about Chelsea prior to 2006 Champions League tie
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Monday's Champions League Round of 16 draw saw Chelsea paired with Barcelona once again.
The two clubs have provided some thrilling encounters over the years, from Ronaldinho's Stamford Bridge masterclass in 2005 to Fernando Torres's last-minute Nou Camp winner in 2012.
But shortly following the draw, 2006 quotes from Barcelona star Lionel Messi resurfaced - and they make for remarkable reading.
The Argentinian forward made the remarks prior to a group game clash against the Blues. It was also the season after Barcelona had knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League in the Round of 16 and Jose Mourinho had accused Messi of overreacting to get Asier Del Horno sent off.
(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Barcelona forward, then 19, told News of the World : "There are players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid," Messi told the News of the World. "I never thought I would hear myself say that.
"I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil v Argentina - but this is.
(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
"We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea."
Astonishingly, Messi has faced Chelsea eight times without scoring a single goal from 29 shots; his worst record against a single club during his career. How he would love to score against the club he 'hates'.
The ties take place in February and March.