Pep Guardiola: 'Mario Gotze cannot be compared to Lionel Messi'

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that Mario Gotze is not yet at the same level as Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi.

Comparisons have been drawn between the two players this season, with Gotze, who joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund last summer, enjoying an impressive campaign with the European champions.

However, former Barca manager Guardiola has quelled claims that Gotze is on the same level as the Argentine.

"There are no comparisons between him and Messi. Messi is the best player in history," he told reporters at a press conference.

"He is in his first year here, which is not easy, but he has done well, played well. He's only 21 and he can still improve.

"He is already one of the best players in Germany. I try to help him, but Messi is at another level."

Gotze has scored six league goals for Bayern this season.