Vissel Kobe striker David Villa has heaped praise on Lionel Messi after he crossed the 40-goal mark for Barcelona for the tenth second running. The Argentine is widely regarded as the best footballer of the current generation and he has continued his merry ways this term with 42 goals across all competitions for the Blaugrana.

Speaking to reporters, Villa said that Messi’s exploits don’t surprise many of his former teammates including himself, given he has maintained a high level of performance over an extended period of time, the former World Cup winner told Reuters: “It is difficult to be surprised with Leo. He is the best. He has always shown everybody in the world that he is the best... Every game that you can watch him is a pleasure. Obviously (there were) Pele, Maradona, players like (Johan) Cruyff. I didn't have the opportunity to watch them like I watched Messi every day, every game... But, for me, Messi is the best,' said Villa. He is good in everything that he does.”

“Messi recently featured from the bench for the Blaugrana during the league clash at Villarreal but his advances were required during the second period“, where the club found themselves 4-2 down at one point. Messi brought the Catalans back into the game with a stupendous free-kick goal in the final minute of normal time and shortly after, Luis Suarez “complete a stunning recovery“ to share the spoils.

With the result, Barcelona’s lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the table has reduced to eight points, but they can make amends when the latter make the trip to the Camp Nou this weekend. Atleti are currently dealing with injury concerns with Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa, and Thomas Lemar ruled out and they face a tough challenge at Barcelona, where they have not won in any competition since 2006.