Messi: I'm lucky to play alongside Iniesta

13/02/2013 8:50:00 PM

The prolific attacker has voiced his admiration for the 2010 World Cup final hero, and also had his say on the Barcelona philosophy

Lionel Messi has praised Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta following his impressive performances this season.

The Spain international has already created 13 goals in 17 league appearances for the Blaugrana this term, and Messi feels honoured to be part of the same team as Iniesta.

"Andres does everything well. He's getting better and better as the years go by: he's won it all and I'm extremely lucky to play alongside him," Messi told Revista Barca.

"I enjoy watching what he does on the pitch, whether in matches or in training sessions – he's a joy to behold."

The Argentine then went on to discuss the Barcelona philosophy, and stressed that it is not about an individual, but about a general idea instead.

"It isn't about a specific coach. It's based on an idea, a top-down line of thinking that all the coaches follow. That's always been the way the academy has been run."

Barcelona are currently preparing for Saturday's La Liga game away against Granada.