Xavi thinks Messi is the best player the world will ever see

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes Lionel Messi is the best player the world will ever see and is adamant the Argentina international does not need to win a World Cup in order to be considered the greatest of all time.

Five-time Ballon d'OR winner Messi has swept up several honors throughout his stellar career to date, though he hasn't yet managed to get his hands on the World Cup with Argentina.

Some argue Messi will not be able to surpass greats Pele and Maradona, who both lifted World Cups during their careers, until he manages to win football's greatest prize at least once.

However Xavi, who played alongside Messi at Camp Nou between 2004 and 2015, believes his former team-mate is a true force of nature and is already the best player that has ever lived.

"Leo is undoubtedly the best player I have ever played with. He is the best player I have ever seen and the best we will ever see," Xavi told La Vanguardia.

"He is the best player in history. He does not need to win the World Cup to be the best. Alfredo Di Stefano and Johan Cruyff did not win the World Cup either.