Ivan Rakitic hails Xavi, Lionel Messi

Ivan Rakitic has hailed the influence of Lionel Messi and Xavi at Barcelona.

Rakitic made his league debut for the Catalan outfit on Sunday evening, helping his side overcome Elche 3-0 – a match where Messi scored twice.

"Not only does he prove to be the best player in the world every day in training, Leo is also an accessible, excellent boy," he told Marca.

"He lifts the locker room and has offered to help me. I don't exaggerate when I say I can only learn [from Xavi]. I don't need to emphasise what a good player he is.

"He's a real captain, a leader."

Rakitic arrived at Barca from Sevilla this summer.