Barcelona captain Xavi has claimed that Lionel Messi would have more success playing in the Premier League.

The Argentine has scored 250 times in La Liga and needs just two more goals to beat Telmo Zarra's all-time record.

"I think he'd be even better in the Premier League because it is not so defensive," BBC Sport quotes him as saying.

"When defending against Barcelona, [English clubs] play on a 1 v 1 basis, defending with passion, a lot of energy. But Leo would find more spaces than in La Liga."

Messi has scored 364 goals in 437 appearances for Barcelona.