Lionel Messi snubbed as Champions League release epic new intro montage featuring Salah, Mbappe and Haller

THE Champions League released an epic new intro montage ahead of its return later today - but Lionel Messi has been snubbed and does not feature.

The European competition is back with football fans set to enjoy weeks of intense battles among the Euro big dogs.

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The schedule is set to be even more taxing for elite clubs as the 2022 World Cup forces the competition to wrap up its group stage far earlier than normal.

With Dinamo Zagreb and a Chelsea side potentially including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to kick off proceedings tonight, the Champions League has to get supporters fired up.

With its iconic anthem blaring in the background, the video sees high-profile players featured in a 40 second clip which will be used as the intro before Champions League match coverage begins this season.

But notably missing is PSG ace Lionel Messi, still one of the biggest stars on the planet aged 35.

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The Argentine has lit up the Champions League on several occasions over the past decade and a half and is a surprise exclusion as UEFA flaunt their greatest stars.

Among the players who do feature, Messi's PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe can be seen in the video sweeping an effort at goal.

Liverpool's Mo Salah can also be seen skilfully taking down a pass on the Anfield touchline.

Other big names seen include Robert Lewandowski, Kai Havertz and Antoine Griezmann.

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The video ends with Marcelo hoisting the giant Champions League trophy above his head.

The snub of Messi comes after the forward's great start to the season at Paris Saint-Germain.

He has netted three goals already and been heavily involved in some of their high-scoring wins.

Despite his strong start, he still trails his teammates Neymar and Mbappe in the Ligue 1 goal charts, with the squabbling pair scoring seven each already.

But Messi did score a goal of the season contender with an outrageous overhead kick in a 5-0 win at Clermont.

Off the pitch and the star has reportedly purchased a dazzling mansion in Ibiza.

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