Zico: Barca’s Leo Messi ‘starting to surpass’ the greatest, but Neymar is hot on his heels

Zico claims Lionel Messi is on the brink of becoming the greatest footballer of all-time, even as he tips his Barcelona teammate Neymar to be a consistent challenge to his best-in-world title going forward.

Messi, Neymar and Barca will visit the Emirates Stadium to tackle Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, where the pair, with Luis Suarez, will combine to continue being the world's most fearsome attacking force.

Former Brazil playmaker Zico considers Messi as accomplished a player as there has ever been, but also says he “would not be surprised” if someday soon Neymar took the title of best player in the world away from him, at least temprorarily.

See more: Champions League last 16 and beyond – The National's comprehensive coverage

“He is starting to surpass the level of Pele, Garrincha, (Johan) Cruyff, (Franz) Beckenbauer and (Diego) Maradona,” Zico said of Messi to Barca TV.

Argentinian Messi recently became the first player to reach 300 league goals in Spain, and at the age of 28 he could have many years left in the game.

But despite his admiration for Messi, Zico suggested next year could see Neymar land the Fifa Ballon d’Or award.

He said: “It would not be surprising at all if Neymar was named the best player in the world.”

As for Arsenal, Messi has delivered against the London club in the past, most memorably when scoring four at the Camp Nou against Arsene Wenger’s side in 2010.

With Suarez and Neymar now providing a further threat, Zico fears the worst for Arsenal over two legs.

“The trident is fantastic because they play as a team and suit each other perfectly,” Zico said, according to Barcelona’s website.

“Barca are favourites both in London and at Camp Nou.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport