A former FC Barcelona superstar claims that Lionel Messi will go down as the greatest player to ever play the game, suggesting the Argentine is better than legends Diego Maradona, Pele and Johan Cruyff.
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David Villa, who is Spain's all-time top scorer with 59 goals in 98 appearances, spent three years playing alongside Messi at Barca.
In addition to heaping praise on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Villa also revealed how the Catala club have undergone a football revolution from a possession-based game to a more direct approach.
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"It is difficult to be surprised with Leo," Villa told Reuters.
"He is the best. He has always shown everybody in the world that he is the best... Every game that you can watch him is a pleasure.
"For those who have seen Messi during his 15-year career at Barcelona, there was no doubting his place in the pantheon of footballing greats.
"Obviously (there was) Pele, Maradona, players like (Johan) Cruyff. I didn't have the opportunity to watch them like I watched Messi every day, every game... But, for me, Messi is the best. He is good in everything that he does.
"I am very happy with the things that we did when we played in Barcelona, with the style that we had, the trophies that we took.
"Soccer is changing every day and you need to accommodate yourself and your team to the things that happen in the moment. I think that it is a different Barcelona but at the same time a great team as well.
"Despite the time difference, Villa said he will be keenly following Saturday's contest between two of his former sides at the Nou Camp."
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Villa made 119 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, finding the back of the net on 48 occasions, while being on hand to register a further 23 assists.
Where do you think Messi ranks among the greatest footballers of all-time? Have your say in the comments section below.
