Ahead of Spain's next UEFA Nations League tie with Croatia, coach, Luis Enrique, suggested his former player, Leo Messi, was the best player in the world and not Croatia captain, Luka Modric.
Enrique does value the Real Madrid midfielder's contribution to the game, but believes that the Argentinian remains one step ahead of the competition.
"If I talk about Croatia I would talk about Modric and Rajkitic," he said to reporters at his pre-match press conference.
"But if I have to talk about the best in the world, that's Leo Messi."
A win at Wembley against England has got the La Roja support immediately onside, and other would be welcomed by the coach.
"Of course I like the euphoria," Enrique continued.
"The best thing we can do is to make the fans happy and in this case if it's a whole country, so much the better.
"We are professionals and now we have to prepare in the best way for this game after a hard and long trip."
So often the quiet man in the team, the coach reserved special praise for Sergio Busquets.
"He has the same role in the national team as he has at Barcelona," Enrique added.
"I also have Rodri and he's very similar to Busquets, who is the rudder that steers the team.
"I'm delighted to have two such good players."
Sterzil
250
no one said anything about MODRIC being the best,he just had a pasta run last season that's all.. no one can be better than Messi he's the best ever and the Greatest of all time
Sterzil
167
M-MAGICAL E-EXTRA ORDINARY S-SPECTACULAR S-SUPREME I-INCREDIBLE.... FOR SURE HES THE BEST AND WOULD ALWAYS BE THE BEST LM10
Bipabcesu
131
Barcelona-Arsenal
116
" Sergio Ramos leaves Spanish National Team" 😂😂😂😂
Dowelnstuz
100
Hmm... Spoken the truth... Though i sincerely think ronaldo deserves that title too if he hadnt been born in thesame generation as King Leo Messi... I bet Ronaldo fans are fuming at u right now
BAPPSPAULO
90
best in the world for a reason
BAPPSPAULO
71
which midfielder has over 250 career assists?
BAPPSPAULO
50
Messi is the best football genius ever what makes Lionel Messi special is the way he plays the numerous goals he scores the ability to beat defenders to his own taste his amazing freekicks the amazing dribbles the accurate passes his acceleration and deceleration and his mastermind behind the success of Barcelona he is the best ever I'll never get tired of saying that
Bipabcesu
48
M - Magician E - Excellent S - Special S - Spectacular I - Incredible