"Messi the best player in history"

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has joined the chorus - Lionel Messi is the best player ever.

Speaking to Canal + after yet another Messi hat-trick, this time against Real Zaragoza, Laporta said: "He's the best player in the world and the history of football."
"Along with [Johan] Cruyff and [Diego] Maradona he is the best we've seen in Barcelona."
The accolades did not stop there - as the president found himself gushing with praise for the Aregentine.
He's played a great match, he is a football genius and he plays for the team. He is the leader of Barcelona. Also he thinks about his team-mates after he handed the penalty to [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic to score."
Laporta also defended striker Ibrahimovic who has copped some flak after a barren run in front of goal.
"He's a very good player, high quality and although now he isn't getting goals, despite playing very well. We're happy with him and he showed character to score the penalty."