Del Bosque: Messi is the best, full stop

17-Jan-2013 12:05:00 AM

The Spain coach has claimed the Argentine sensation would be a huge success in any side in the world, and highlighted Brazil as the favourites for World Cup 2014

Vicente del Bosque has heaped praise on Lionel Messi, stating that the Barcelona star would be great wherever he played.

The Argentina attacker scooped his fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or prize at the beginning of the month after a record-breaking year with the Liga leaders, and the Spain coach believes he would be a sensation in any side in the world.

In an interview with the Spanish Football Federation, Del Bosque said: “Messi is the guy playing in the street, the one who fools everyone. He’d do great everywhere, whoever was playing at his side. He’s brilliant, period."

Del Bosque, who was named Coach of the Year 2012 at the Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich following La Roja's successful Euro 2012 campaign, went on to highlight host nation Brazil as the main threat to his side's World Cup crown in 2014.

"I think that the local factor has less influence now than in the past but, undoubtedly, Brazil are the major threat," he added.

Inside Goal.Com

Player Ratings: West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a farewell to remember, but certainly not for the right reasons as the Romelu Lukaku-led hosts battled back from three goals down to earn an unlikely point
Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-0 QPR
The hosts put in a dominating performance but Philippe Coutinho's solitary goal from distance was enough to see off a poor performance from the already-relegated visitors
Player Ratings: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny's 52nd-minute volley secured the Gunners the win over Alan Pardew's side and made sure they would be playing Champions League football next season
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel