No player has ever been more important to LaLiga Santander than Lionel Messi, in the opinion of LaLiga president Javier Tebas.
The Argentine has delivered phenomenal consistency at Barcelona since breaking into the side as a teenager, going on to become arguably the greatest to ever play the game.
"Messi is part of Barcelona and will stay there," Tebas said.
"We consider him part of LaLiga Santander and he transcends normal players.
"He's an icon, the most important player that has passed through our league. He is a level above."
Tebas also went on to discuss coaches like Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, who he would love to see return to Spanish football.
"I always say that I'd like coaches like Mourinho and Guardiola to return to coaching in our league," he added.
"They are two great coaches with their personality and controversies, but also with their styles on the pitch.
"They have proved to be the elite."
Zanbdt
85
Of course that is why Messi is the greatest ever player in History
Lemikiba
79
Ur right Tebas because Messi is like a WiFi📶 network only in Barcelona (Spain) that he can work.
Juebciruz
62
You know exactly what you're saying big man he is
Tshoda
57
Speaking the truth don't have be like u are a BARCA or Madrid fan but where the truth belongs just put it there.. Thanks to Sir. Tebas for speaking his own out
hiuabcdeyz
52
Ronaldo should also be respected though he may be enemy but e and Messi r another level players .......just extraordinary #No hate for both legends
oheneantwib
48
Texas is correct. All Ronaldo did by challenging Mesii was by scoring goals but in terms of the other aspects of the game, Nah he did not stood a chance.