Pedro: Messi is the best player ever

Barcelona forward Pedro has described his team-mate Lionel Messi as the best player ever after he won his fourth Ballon d’Or on Monday.

Messi beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta to the prize in Zurich, and Spain international Pedro admitted that it is a great honour to have played alongside the 25-year-old at club level for so long.

“I have shared many years and seasons with him here, I have won many titles by his side and it is a great joy (for him) to have gained a new Ballon d’Or, he is the best player ever,” he told a press conference.

“The moments I remember most are the matches and finals that I have shared with him. I had the luck and pleasure to share many things with the best player in the world and possibly the best player ever.”

The attacker scored his first goals since August in his side’s 4-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday, and he is hoping that he can continue to contribute in front of goal after a frustrating period.

“It’s true that you can take a barren streak and getting a goal gives you confidence. The other day I was fortunate to help my team-mates with goals and I hope to continue on this line,” he said.

“It was said that I was playing well and I was helping the team, but for a striker it is important to score, and sometimes I despair at not scoring. But my team-mates and the coach supported me a lot and I hope to continue.”

The 25-year-old was speaking ahead of his side’s Copa del Rey match against Cordoba on Thursday, and he hopes that the Camp Nou outfit can continue their good start to the season in all three major competitions.

“We have had a great start to the season, getting the most points with goals. What is clear is that it yields results and we are in very good position,” he said.

“Tito is doing a great job and as a team we are very well.”