Xavi: 'There will never be another Lionel Messi'

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has insisted that no-one will take the place of Lionel Messi when the Argentine retires from football.

The 29-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time having broken a plethora of goalscoring records during his illustrious career.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 31, has been Messi's perennial rival, but when it comes to a successor, Xavi cannot see anyone emulating the achievements of his former teammate.

"For me, there is no heir to Messi. There will never be one. There will be very good footballers, but nobody at Messi's level," he told Spanish outlet Sport.

"When Messi ends his career, there will be Neymar, Eden Hazard and five or 10 players at a similar level, but none with the unquestionable superiority of Messi.

"He is still the best in the world, making the difference and putting it in the top corner."

Messi has won a record five Ballon d'Ors, four Champions League medals and eight La Liga titles during his career so far.