Messi the greatest ever, says Pique

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has hailed team-mate Lionel Messi as the best player in history.

Messi netted a hat-trick in Tuesday’s 5-3 La Liga victory over Granada, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 234 goals.

Spain international Pique says he feels privileged to play in the same team as the Argentine attacker.

“It’s a pleasure to be in the same generation as him (Messi),” Pique said. “I believe he’s the best player in the history of the sport.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to be on the same team as him, I consider myself privileged.”

“It doesn’t matter where he plays, whether it’s cold or hot, he always proves that he’s the best.”

Messi has now struck an incredible 54 goals in 45 games this season.