Is Neymar the next Messi?

Brazilian Neymar is set to become the next best player in the world after Argentina's Lionel Messi, according to Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

Since arriving at Nou Camp in June 2013, Neymar has netted 59 goals in around 100 La Liga appearances and has won two top flight titles as well as the Champions League.

He also came third in the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards behind teammate Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo in January.

"If we speak about the best, it is Leo Messi. Neymar is on the way to be the next best," Rakitic told the Times.

"Barca will do the best thing to sign a new contract with him and maybe they can put a buyout clause as high as possible, because he will be the next Messi for sure."

"He's scored (nearly) 300 goals and he's only 24. He's really special."

Image: Barcelona's Neymar

Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters