Lionel Messi's efforts of late have commanded huge praise from all quarters, scoring an incredible 11 goals in just 5 games.

Messi has now scored a whopping 25 league goals and is the top La Liga scorer by some distance ahead of Gonzalo Higuain with 20. Messi has 34 goals in all competitions.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta made some big claims after today's game with Zaragoza. Speaking to Canal Plus, Laporta stated, "He's the best player in the world and the history of football. Along with [Johan] Cruyff and [Diego] Maradona he is the best we've seen in Barcelona.

"He's played a great match, he is a football genius and he plays for the team. He is the leader of Barcelona. Also he thinks about his team-mates after he handed the penalty to [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic to score."

Messi's teammates were equally forthcoming in their prace of the world's best player.

Dani Alves said of Messi, "Of course he can be compared with [Diego] Maradona and can be better than him. If he continues with this humility he can become better."

Compatriot Gabriel Milito stated, "Leo has excelled once again. He does things that surprise us all. He has the quality to make the difficult easy."

Summer signing Maxwell echoed the sentiments, "Luckily he is playing with us, because he is unstoppable. The team is playing very well and we're all happy."