Lionel Messi "honoured" with Pele, Diego Maradona comparisons

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has said that he is "honoured" to be compared with footballing greats Pele and Diego Maradona.

However, the Argentina international insists that he does not try to compete with anyone and plays for the team.

"I am honoured to be compared to both [Pele and Diego Maradona]," Messi told Voetbal International. "But mostly I try to be better for me and for the team, not to surpass others."

Messi is in the running to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the fourth year in a row.