VALDANO: NOBODY IS EVEN CLOSE TO LIONEL MESSI'S LEVEL

The ex-Real Madrid man has voiced his opinion that the Argentina skipper is arguably the best in the world, while praising Barcelona and Spain's style of play 

Argentine netted twice in Barca's 4-1 win over Getafe at the weekend to take his tally for 2012 to 61, and the 56-year-old 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 was quoted as saying by El Heraldo.

The former Argentina star then went on to voice his opinion that Barcelona and Spain are the new benchmark in football, while also hailing Pep Guardiola.

"Barcelona and the Spanish national team are now the benchmarks in football. Having possession allows you to play great football.

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

Guardiola is currently enjoying a sabbatical after leaving Barca this summer

CULLED: GOAL .COM