World-class player like Lionel Messi must be world champion: Rivaldo
Lionel Messi
Former Brazilian striker Rivaldo feels thata player like Lionel Messi deserves World Cup title and the Argentine "must be a world champion".
"I like him so much and I always say I feel so sad because he never won the World Cup with Argentina. It is an award he deserves because a world-class player like him must be a world champion," Rivaldo was quoted by a sports website.
The 47-year-old said that Messi's performance inLa Liga andChampions League should berecognised.
"He has been scoring goals, giving assists and being the top scorer in La Liga for a long time and I think what he has been doing in the Champions League means his merits should be recognised," he added.
Rivaldo also said thatMessi deserves Ballon d'Or even if he doesn't winUEFA Champions League with Barcelona.
"Even if he doesn't win the Champions League, however, he already deserves the Ballon d'Or," added Rivaldo.
The La Liga giants defeated Manchester United in the last eight of UCL to set up the semi-final clash with Liverpool.
With 10 goals, Messi is the leading goal scorers in the ongoing season of Champions League.
He also five Ballon d'Or under his belt and if he lifts this year's award, it will take his tally to six.