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Jan 21, 2018 at 7.45pm UK
 
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Ernesto Valverde: 'Lionel Messi the greatest player of all time'

Valverde: 'Messi the greatest of all time'
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Ernesto Valverde admits that he can now "enjoy" watching Lionel Messi in action, having seen the Barcelona forward take his La Liga goals tally for the season to 19.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has told supporters to "enjoy" watching Lionel Messi while they can, as there will never be another player to match his ability.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner added another couple of goals to his growing collection on Sunday evening in Barca's 5-0 rout of Real Betis at the Villamarin.

Valverde insists that Messi has earned the right to be described as the best talent to have ever kicked a ball, and does not expect anyone to rival his status as the greatest of all time once he eventually calls it a day.

Speaking to reporters after the Betis win, the former Athletic Bilbao chief said: "You have to enjoy him. We have been able to live his era. I have suffered because of him and I know what that is like.

"Now I can enjoy it. It is an event to watch him every day. He is the best player there is and there ever will be."

Messi has netted 19 goals in La Liga this season, putting him three in front of teammate Luis Suarez in the top-scorers chart.

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Ernesto Valverde pictured in 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona87012591621
2Real Madrid85301761118
3Atletico MadridAtletico8440124816
4Athletic Bilbao8422128414
5Mallorca842286214
6Villarreal74211414014
7Osasuna84221213-114
8Real BetisBetis833287112
9Rayo Vallecano824298110
10Celta Vigo83141515010
11AlavesAlaves83141112-110
12GironaGirona8233911-29
13Sevilla8233810-29
14Real Sociedad822467-18
15Getafe814356-17
16Leganes814359-47
17Espanyol8215712-57
18Valencia8125513-85
19Real ValladolidValladolid8125417-135
20Las PalmasLas Palmas7034813-53


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