Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has hailed Lionel Messi as the best player in world football.

The Argentine international scored three goals yesterday evening to become the club's leading goalscorer of all time with a tally of 234 strikes.

Speaking after his side's 5-3 win over Granada, coach Guardiola has insisted that no player on the planet compares to the 24-year-old.

"We are witnessing the best [player] in every sense," Guardiola told reporters. "He does everything, and he does it every three days. I'm sorry for those that want to sit on his throne, but this lad is the best.

"Hopefully we can enjoy his football for many more years."

Messi made his Barca debut in 2004.