Ivan Rakitic: 'Lionel Messi the best player of all time'

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has hailed teammate Lionel Messi as the best player of all time.

The Argentine had another prolific year last campaign, as his 58 goals in 57 games contributed towards Barca's treble-winning season, as the Catalan club won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Despite only being 28 years old, Rakitic believes that Messi has already done enough to earn the title of the 'best player ever'.

"Messi? We all know who is he. He's the best football player in the history," the Croatia international said, according to Goal.com.

The Barcelona duo will start the new campaign against Sevilla on Tuesday, August 11.