Former Barcelona captain Xavi has branded Lionel Messi 'the best player in the history of football'.

It has long been a debate whether Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo stand alongside the likes of Diego Maradona and Pele, who are widely regarded as two of the best players in the history of the game.

Xavi has claimed that while Pele and Maradona "both made a huge difference" to the game, it is Messi that "stands out as the best".

"Pele and Maradona both made a huge difference, but football has evolved," Xavi told ESPN.

"The players are better than they were, the game is better. Physically, tactically, technically and psychologically, football is better than ever. And Messi stands out as the best at the best time in the history of football."

Messi and Ronaldo are once again expected to go head to head for the Ballon d'Or in January.