Ivan Rakitic in awe of "miraculous" Lionel Messi

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has admitted that he is in awe of his "miraculous" teammate Lionel Messi.

The Croatia international is preparing for his first season at Camp Nou following a summer switch from Sevilla, and Rakitic says that he is equally as impressed with the Argentine's humility as his talent.

"I trained a few times with Leo because he joined the team later due to the World Cup," he told 24sata.

"Sometimes in training I stop and watch him, he is miraculous. I admire him and I learn from him.

"He impresses me with everything he does. He behaves normally, as if he isn't such a big star."

The Blaugrana get their La Liga campaign underway by hosting Elche in Catalunya on August 24.