Valdano: Messi in a league of his own

Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano says Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi is a cut above any other footballer in the world.

Argentine Messi netted twice in Barca’s 4-1 win over Getafe at the weekend to take his tally for 2012 to 61 goals, and the 56-year-old Valdano believes his compatriot is easily the best player in the world.

“Messi is a class apart from the rest if you ask me. There is nobody who’s even close to the level at which he plays,” Valdano said.

The former Argentina star also believes that Barcelona and Spain have set a new benchmark in football, while also hailing former Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

“Barcelona and the Spanish national team are now the benchmarks in football. Having possession allows you to play great football,” Valdano said.

“Barca had someone who has greatly innovated the game in Pep Guardiola.”