Mikel Arteta: Lionel Messi Is Simply Unbeatable

The former Real Sociedad and Rangers player has been watching Lionel Messi tear defences apart this season, and he has simply said that the Blaugrana winger is 'unbeatable'.

He told journalists, "It is as if someone commands him from the stands, like a video game. I have never seen a human run with the ball at that speed. I have not seen Maradona so I cannot compare, but Messi is simply unbeatable."

Lionel Messi is argubly in the form of his short career at the moment, and is integral to every aspect of Barcelona's play. It is no surprise to see players and managers across Europe speaking out about the pleasure of watching him play.

He missed the weekend league match, and his side struggled to grab a 1-1 draw aginst mid-table Getafe. He returned to the starting line-up against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night, and his side stormed to a 5-2 victory.

Arteta, who started his career at Barcelona before moving to Glasgow to join Rangers, has clearly been impressed by Messi and his ability to leave defenders in his wake with incredible ease.

The 21-year old, who made his debut against Espanyol in October 2004, has thirteen goals in all competitions for the Catalan club so far this season, and his five strikes in the Champions League makes him joint-top scorer in the competition.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com