Messi awestruck by Tevez form

Barcelona prodigy Lionel Messi has been highly impressed by the form of compatriot Carlos Tevez since his summer move to United.

Tevez has four United goals to his name, but it has been his scintillating strike partnership with Wayne Rooney that has really captured the attention of the football world.

“Carlos is making a big difference for Manchester United this season," said Messi. “His partnership with Rooney is already something special and I think it will only get better.

“Although they play and move similarly to one another on the pitch, they are going to help Manchester United a lot. They will scare defenders everywhere.

“Those who play the game well understand each other immediately. Good players always manage to play well together."

With Tevez and United in such top form already this season, Messi sees the Reds as genuine contenders for this season's Champions League title - along with Barca.

“Barcelona and United are both great teams," he said. "And they are real candidates for the Champions League.”