"Messi is not a human being", says Gary Lineker

The former Barça striker and now TV presenter spoke ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash between Tottenham and Barcelona.

Former FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hostpur striker Gary Lineker gave the highest of praise for Barcelona's Lionel Messi, saying that he "is clearly not a human being" and that the Premier League side will the tough task of dealing with the best player in the world on Wednesday evening.

Lineker on the 'non-human' Messi

In an interview with Barça TV, the Match of the Day presenter looked ahead to the enticing match up between the teams of Pochettino and Valverde but believed that the key to the outcome was more than likely to be in the hands, or feet, of the Argentine genius.

"He [Messi] is the best player who ever donned a pair of football boots," Lineker insisted before listing all his incredible talents. "If you put all those things together, he frankly is not a human being," was his conclusion.

"He doesn't play act, he doesn't dive, he doesn't retaliate," continued Gary before adding that, "he is a great example for young people."

Barça or Spurs

On the current Barcelona team, the former England player highlighted that "it is a team that combines youth with experience" and a coach in Ernesto Valverde who "has brought consistency to the group".

With strong ties to both clubs, Lineker couldn't admit to a favourite and instead said that he hoped both clubs would make it through the group stage.