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The Barcelona winger will have some formidable competition in the shape of France's left-back this coming Wednesday

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra is confident of stopping Lionel Messi in his tracks when the two clash in the Champions League final next Wednesday.

Evra believes that the criticism levelled at him in the wake of the Carling Cup final, when he was eclipsed by Aaron Lennon, has motivated him to become the self-proclaimed “best left-back in the world”.

The French defender is likely to be in direct competition with Messi in Rome; the Argentina international occupies a berth on the right side of the Barcelona attack.

Evra, who has represented both Monaco and Manchester United in Champions League finals in the past was quick to talk up his own ability, but was cautious about the threat that Messi carries.

He told Sky Sports, "After my four-match ban and injury I had one bad game in the Carling Cup final and people said I wasn't the same player as last year.

"I've played for Manchester United for three years and had one bad game, so I was actually happy with the criticism because it made me believe I'm the best left-back in the world.

"When you've had one bad game and people are criticising you, it makes you proud. I said after that, 'Okay, we will see.'

"It wasn't a good day in the final. It was very warm at Wembley and the pitch was difficult but I don't want to make excuses.

"I just played one bad game, that's all. But after that I think I showed people who criticised me my real form again, and you can see that now. I think the criticism helps you become stronger.

"Every year I think I have improved. I have been honoured to be named in the world's best XI twice, the Premier League XI twice, and things like that make you believe.

"You can be the best left-back in the world but if you play badly in the final, people will say you're the worst.

"And, of course, I am playing against Messi, so it won't be easy."

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