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'Messi wouldn't be world's best without Barca' - Rexach talks up perfect sporting marriage

The former Camp Nou boss believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would not be the player he is today had he not moved to Catalunya from Argentina

Failing to link up with Barcelona would have cost Lionel Messi his standing as “the best in the world”, according to former Camp Nou player and manager Charly Rexach.

The mercurial Argentine is now widely regarded as one of the finest performers of this or any other generation.

His place in football folklore is already secure, with a 500-goal haul at Barca marking him out as an elite talent.