Barcelona star Lionel Messi is backing Jose Mourinho for success with Chelsea. The Argentine locked horns with the Special One when he was manager at Real Madrid.

But Messi, 26, said: "Mourinho will succeed at Chelsea because he's a great manager."

Messi also insisted he did not think Real Madrid will be weakened now Carlo Ancelotti has taken over.

He added: "Mourinho was a great coach but Ancelotti is equally great. The Spanish League will continue to be difficult."