Bayern Munich hero Giovane Elber has joined in the running down of Barcelona star Leo Messi.

Like Lothar Matthaus, Elber is adamant Robert Lewandowski is now the better player ahead of this week's Champions League quarterfinal.

The Brazilian said, "To this day, Lewandowski is better than Messi.

"I love what Messi does and how he plays, he has been a top player for many years, a genius, but this year Lewandowski has been above everyone.

"He can do anything and he scores every ball that comes to him. And he will continue to do so. He is having a spectacular season."

Elber was a Bayern player between 1997 and 2003.