Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes has declared after the Valencia game that teammate Lionel Messi could become the greatest player of all time.

Messi scored a terrific hat-trick against Valencia and showed everyone why he is currently considered to be the best player in the world.

Speaking to Marca the day after the match, Valdes stated, "Messi is already the best player in the world, but he could become the greatest footballer in history.

"But I don't believe that the team is dependent upon him because we have other players of great quality."

Valdes commented on his own vital save when the team were just a goal to the good, "I do not think that my save was decisive, but it was a factor that allowed us to be lucky enough not to fail."

About his own ambitions to go to the World Cup with Spain, Valdes said, "If the moment were to arrive, I would go with the highest of ambitions and respect. But it doesn't depend on me."