In a recent interview with Sport, the ex-Blaugrana gave his opinion on who will reign the football world once the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner hangs up his boots.
"For me, there is no heir to Messi. There will never be one. There will be very good footballers, but nobody at Messi's level.
"To be at the top for so many years, winning so many individual and team trophies, will be impossible to surmount.
"In the future, everything will be more equal amongst the best players.
"Though now they try to sell the story of the Cristiano and Messi battle, those of us who know football, know there is no comparison.
"When Messi ends his career, there will be Neymar, Hazard, five or ten players at a similar level, but none with the unquestionable superiority of Messi."
The Al Sadd midfielder also made a strong statement to the Catalan club on what they must do to keep the ace at Camp Nou for many more years to come.
"I don't think so. How much time has he had to deal with the case? Two or three years now?
"And he is still the best in the world, making the difference and putting it in the top corner.
"He is happy in Barcelona, I'm not saying he's not bothered by some off the field issue, but on the pitch, he is still the same player.
"It is great to have Messi, and he needs to be kept happy and content.
"Above all, all these issues need to be resolved as soon as possible, so he can start from a clean slate.
"But really, it doesn't affect him. If there is someone mentally strong, that person is Messi. He has overcome it all."
