THE BEST SOCCER PLAYERS

LIONEL MESSI reckons that Manchester United will risk humiliation if they opt to go toe to toe with Barcelona in the Champions League final. The Barca superstar admits he is after revenge for last year's semi-final defeat by the eventual champions. Back then, the Catalan giants had almost 70 per cent possession over the two legs. But they could not break down United's defensive wall and Paul Scholes' screamer put Alex Ferguson's men through. Messi told SunSport: "I don't think Manchester will play like that again. They have players to play football and will be a bit more open. "We're the best team in Europe in an open game and this will give us the advantage. If they come out to play it will be a beautiful game - and I hope it will benefit us. "I remember last year's semi-final. They were two evenly-matched games, very tight. The tie was decided by the great goal they scored." Back on May 2, Barcelona thumped Real Madrid 6-2 at the Bernab

Cristiano Ronaldo has provided Manchester United with a late injury scare ahead of the UEFA Champions League final after requiring treatment in training. The Portuguese winger needed strapping on his ankle during Tuesday evening's training session at the Stadio Olimpico. Ronaldo, who missed the start of the season after undergoing ankle surgery, is expected to be fit for Wednesday's showpiece in Rome. The 24-year-old is likely to start up front against Barcelona, with Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-sung tipped to provide support from wide. Nemanja Vidic was also photographed during the session holding his hamstring, but United have confirmed the Serbian is fit. Vidic's central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand has also declared himself fit to start the final after a recent absence due to a calf injury. Source: SkySports.com