No regrets for Lionel Messi as Barcelona captain repeats Champions League wish ahead of new season

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi says he has no regrets about telling the Camp Nou crowd he wanted to bring back the Champions League trophy ahead of last season.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner addressed the crowd last August ahead of the Gamper Trophy and told them he hoped to win the European crown for the first time since 2015 and bring that “beautiful trophy” back to Barcelona.

Ultimately, Ernesto Valverde’s side missed out in European glory as they went down 4-0 to Liverpool in their Champions League semi-final second leg, having won the first 3-0 in the Catalan capital.

"It's difficult to say anything today," Messi told the fans ahead of the traditional curtain-raiser at Camp Nou, this time against Arsenal. "But I don't regret anything. I can only repeat what I said last season.

“I believe in this squad, in these players, in the coaching staff. Together, we are going to fight for everything.”

Barca won La Liga last season, but the collapse against Liverpool at Anfield and loss to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final after that saw the campaign end on a sour note.

"Last season was bitter in the end because of how it finished,” Messi said. “We have to give value to the league title we won, the eighth in 10 years. It's something really important that we did. Perhaps we don't give it importance today.

“This club always goes for everything and this year won't be any different. We are here with our hopes renewed and excited to get started. And I hope you (the fans) feel the same."