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Champions League draw: Who can FC Barcelona face in the group stages?

Champions League draw Who can FC Barcelona face in the group stages
Barcelona must recover quickly from the shock of losing Lionel Messi as they prepare for what could be a tough start to their Champions League campaign.

Messi lifted the European Cup four times with Barca, but will now be out to win the trophy with his new club PSG in a star-studded squad also featuring the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

As for Barca, they must move on and rebuild amid great financial pressure - but with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, Antoine Griezmann, Pedri and Ansu Fati, there is more than enough quality to trouble plenty of Europe’s top sides this term.

With the Champions League group-stage draw set to be held this week, here are the potential opponents for Barca fans to watch out for in Pots 1-4...

Who can Barcelona face in the Champions League draw? READ MORE

Pot 1: Chelsea, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Lille, Sporting Libson, Manchester City

Barca cannot be drawn against Villarreal or Atletico given Uefa rules state two teams from the same association cannot face each other at this stage.

That means Barca will face one of Chelsea, Man City, Bayern, Inter, Lille or Sporting.

Pot 2:Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United, PSG, Liverpool, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund

Barca are seeded in Pot 2, so will not face any of the seven other teams.

Lionel Messi - In pictures

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Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Maracana on June 15, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Maracana on June 15, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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FIFA World player of the year winner Ronaldinho, the Gillette Best Young Player Award Leo Messi, and third place FIFA World player of the year Samuel Etoo pose with their trophies before La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Celta, at the Camp Nou stadium December 20, 2005

FIFA World player of the year winner Ronaldinho, the Gillette Best Young Player Award Leo Messi, and third place FIFA World player of the year Samuel Etoo pose with their trophies before La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Celta, at the Camp Nou stadium December 20, 2005

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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) vies with Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale (L) and Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 2, 2019

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) vies with Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale (L) and Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 2, 2019

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on as Catalan Pro-Independence flags are seen on the background during the La Liga match between Barcelona and SD Eibar at Camp Nou on September 19, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on as Catalan Pro-Independence flags are seen on the background during the La Liga match between Barcelona and SD Eibar at Camp Nou on September 19, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain

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Messi for Argentina Under 20s in 2005 vs PERU

Messi for Argentina Under 20s in 2005 vs PERU

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Lionel Messi from Argentina celebrates with the cup after winning the FIFA World Youth Championships 2005 Final between Argentina and Nigeria on July 2, 2005 in Utrecht, Netherlands

Lionel Messi from Argentina celebrates with the cup after winning the FIFA World Youth Championships 2005 Final between Argentina and Nigeria on July 2, 2005 in Utrecht, Netherlands

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FC Barcelona's Argentinian Messi scores the second goal against Albacete during their Spanish League football match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, 01 May 2005. FC Barcelona won 2-0

FC Barcelona's Argentinian Messi scores the second goal against Albacete during their Spanish League football match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, 01 May 2005. FC Barcelona won 2-0

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 Argentine Lionel Messi (R) is fouled by Peruvian goalkeeper Leao Butron 09 October, 2005 at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during their FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 South American qualifying round match. Argentina won 2-0

Argentine Lionel Messi (R) is fouled by Peruvian goalkeeper Leao Butron 09 October, 2005 at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during their FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 South American qualifying round match. Argentina won 2-0

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Argentina's footballer Lionel Messi (R) is marked by Brazil's Mineiro during their Copa America Venezuela-2007 final match at the Panchencho Romero Stadium July 15, 2007 in Maracaibo, Venezuela

Argentina's footballer Lionel Messi (R) is marked by Brazil's Mineiro during their Copa America Venezuela-2007 final match at the Panchencho Romero Stadium July 15, 2007 in Maracaibo, Venezuela

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Argentinian forward Lionel Messi leaves the pitch with his gold medal after attending the men's Olympic football tournament medal ceremony at the national stadium in Beijing during the 2008 Beijing Olympic games on August 23, 2008. Argentina won gold ahead of Nigeria and Brazil

Argentinian forward Lionel Messi leaves the pitch with his gold medal after attending the men's Olympic football tournament medal ceremony at the national stadium in Beijing during the 2008 Beijing Olympic games on August 23, 2008. Argentina won gold ahead of Nigeria and Brazil

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Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina sits on top of the world in 2009

Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina sits on top of the world in 2009

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Barcelona´s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) and Barcelona'´s midfielder Andres Iniesta (R) celebrate with the Champions League Cup afte the trophy ceremony on May 27, 2009 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Barcelona defeated  Manchester United 2-0 in the final of the UEFA football Champions League

Barcelona´s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) and Barcelona'´s midfielder Andres Iniesta (R) celebrate with the Champions League Cup afte the trophy ceremony on May 27, 2009 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the final of the UEFA football Champions League

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Lionel Messi (2R) of Barcelona tests the defence of Manchester City (FLTR) Richard Dunne, Pablo Zabaleta, Gareth Barry and Stephen Ireland during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between Barcelona and Manchester City at the Camp Nou Stadium on August 19, 2009 in Barcelona, Spain. Manchester City won the match 1-0

Lionel Messi (2R) of Barcelona tests the defence of Manchester City (FLTR) Richard Dunne, Pablo Zabaleta, Gareth Barry and Stephen Ireland during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between Barcelona and Manchester City at the Camp Nou Stadium on August 19, 2009 in Barcelona, Spain. Manchester City won the match 1-0

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Diego Maradona head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi of Argentina as they celebrate victory after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group B match between Argentina and South Korea at Soccer City Stadium on June 17, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Diego Maradona head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi of Argentina as they celebrate victory after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group B match between Argentina and South Korea at Soccer City Stadium on June 17, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona poses with the trophy after victory in the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona poses with the trophy after victory in the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London

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Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 trophy on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 trophy on January 7, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland.

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David Beckham (R) of PSG shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Barcelona ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona FCB at Parc des Princes on April 2, 2013 in Paris, France

David Beckham (R) of PSG shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Barcelona ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona FCB at Parc des Princes on April 2, 2013 in Paris, France

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Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal as Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid looks dejected during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Bernabeu on March 23, 2014 in Madrid, Spain

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal as Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid looks dejected during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Bernabeu on March 23, 2014 in Madrid, Spain

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with his son Thiago walk out the pitch prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Camp Nou on September 24, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with his son Thiago walk out the pitch prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Camp Nou on September 24, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain

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Sergio Aguero (L) and Lionel Messi of Argentina react while walking off the field after defeating Iran 1-0 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Argentina and Iran at Estadio Mineirao on June 21, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Sergio Aguero (L) and Lionel Messi of Argentina react while walking off the field after defeating Iran 1-0 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Argentina and Iran at Estadio Mineirao on June 21, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

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Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany hugs Lionel Messi of Argentina after Germany's 1-0 victory  in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany hugs Lionel Messi of Argentina after Germany's 1-0 victory in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with the match ball after scoring three goals during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on December 7, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona with the match ball after scoring three goals during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on December 7, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona performs an overhead kick under a challenge by Nicolas Otamendi of Valencia CF during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Camp Nou on April 18, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona performs an overhead kick under a challenge by Nicolas Otamendi of Valencia CF during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Camp Nou on April 18, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain

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FIFA Ballon d'Or nominees Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona  (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid smile during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2014 at the Kongresshaus on January 12, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland.

FIFA Ballon d'Or nominees Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid smile during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2014 at the Kongresshaus on January 12, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland.

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Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany

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Barcelona players including Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez celebrate victory with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany

Barcelona players including Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez celebrate victory with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany

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Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with his winners medal after victory in the UEFA Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Dinamo Arena on August 11, 2015 in Tbilisi, Georgia

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with his winners medal after victory in the UEFA Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Dinamo Arena on August 11, 2015 in Tbilisi, Georgia

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Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona and his partner Antonella Roccuzzo attend the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland

Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona and his partner Antonella Roccuzzo attend the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland

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Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona receives the Ballon d'or during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland

Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona receives the Ballon d'or during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona holds up the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club de Bilbao  at Camp Nou on January 17, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona holds up the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club de Bilbao at Camp Nou on January 17, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain

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Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina interacts with a fan who ran onto the field prior to the start of the second half during a 2016 Copa America Centenario Semifinal match between Argentina and the United States at NRG Stadium on June 21, 2016 in Houston, Texas

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina interacts with a fan who ran onto the field prior to the start of the second half during a 2016 Copa America Centenario Semifinal match between Argentina and the United States at NRG Stadium on June 21, 2016 in Houston, Texas

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Argentina's Lionel Messi (C) is marked by Chile's Arturo Vidal (L) eyed by Argentina's Ever Banega during the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016

Argentina's Lionel Messi (C) is marked by Chile's Arturo Vidal (L) eyed by Argentina's Ever Banega during the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016

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Lionel Messi (L) and Andres Iniesta (R) of FC Barcelona lift up the Spanish La Liga 2015-2016 season trophy before the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou on August 20, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain

Lionel Messi (L) and Andres Iniesta (R) of FC Barcelona lift up the Spanish La Liga 2015-2016 season trophy before the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou on August 20, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain

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Neymar (R) of Brazil greets Lionel Messi of Argentina during a match between Brazil and Argentina as part of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Mineirao stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Neymar (R) of Brazil greets Lionel Messi of Argentina during a match between Brazil and Argentina as part of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Mineirao stadium on November 10, 2016 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

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Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves,  Leonardo Bonucci, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Andres Iniesta; Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar pose for a selfie as they are named The Fifa FifPro World XI during The Best FIFA Football Awards Show on October 23, 2017 in London

Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves, Leonardo Bonucci, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Andres Iniesta; Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar pose for a selfie as they are named The Fifa FifPro World XI during The Best FIFA Football Awards Show on October 23, 2017 in London

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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi poses with his four Golden Shoe awards after receiving the 2017 European Golden Shoe honoring the year's leading goalscorer during a ceremony at the Antigua Fabrica Estrella Damm in Barcelona on November 24, 2017

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi poses with his four Golden Shoe awards after receiving the 2017 European Golden Shoe honoring the year's leading goalscorer during a ceremony at the Antigua Fabrica Estrella Damm in Barcelona on November 24, 2017

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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 17, 2019 in Seville, Spain

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 17, 2019 in Seville, Spain

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Lionel Messi after Barcelona were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich.

Lionel Messi after Barcelona were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich.

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Pot 3: FC Porto, Ajax, RB Leipzig, Atalanta, Zenit, Benfica, Shakhtar Donestk, Salzburg

Barca will be able to face any of the teams from Pot 3.

Pot 4: Club Brugge, Young Boys, AC Milan, Malmo, Wolfsburg, Sheriff, Besiktas, Dynamo Kyiv

Barca will be able to face any of the teams from Pot 4.

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