Lionel Messi full of praise for Pedro

Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Barcelona teammate Pedro after watching him clinch the UEFA Super Cup in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night.

It was Messi who stole the show early in the match with two free kicks, but Pedro decided a thrilling encounter in Tbilisi by coming off the bench to secure a 5-4 victory over Sevilla in extra time.

The Spaniard is rumoured to be close to joining Manchester United, despite insisting that he has not requested a move, and Messi believes that he deserved a special moment.

"He deserved it for everything he has given and continues to give to the club," he told reporters. "I don't know what will happen with him - it's a decision he has to take - but whatever he does, he deserves it."

Pedro has won 20 trophies during his time with Barcelona.