Heynckes: "What Messi has achieved is out of this world"

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes spoke earlier today at a press conference ahead of his side's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona next week. The German heaped praise on Leo Messi and labelled the Argentine "a phenomenon".
"It's incredible what Messi has achieved – four Ballon d'Or awards and 50 goals in a season is out of this world", the manager of the Bavarian team said.
"The best word to describe Messi is 'phenomenon'. At such a young age he has reached the same level as the likes of Zidane, Pelé, Maradona and Cruyff", he added.
Heynckes went on to speak about former Barça boss Pep Guardiola, the man who will take over from the German in charge of Bayern: "Guardiola must be respected. He did a fantastic job at Barça. If you've worked for a club you can't disclose internal things. It wouldn't cross my mind to call a predecessor or a successor".
"We are facing a great challenge against a team which has dominated European football in recent years. I'm fascinated by the way Barça plays", added the German coach, whose spell in charge at Munich is coming to an end.
"I don't think there is a favourite from the four semi-finalists (Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund) to win the Champions League", Heynckes concluded.