Deco admits Chelsea must silence Lionel Messi if they're to beat Champions League semifinal opponents Barcelona.

Deco, who spent four years at Barca before joining Chelsea in the summer, said: "It's difficult to say who's better, both teams have great players.

"But I think Barca have an advantage as they have Messi. He's a player who can make the difference more than all the others."

Deco watched Chelsea's breathtaking 4-4 draw with Liverpool from the bench.

But he added: "To return to the Nou Camp is special. Barca is the club I dreamed of playing with. I watch them whenever I can."