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Valverde: Messi's 'competitive spirit' his best attribute

Ernesto Valverde lauded the competitiveness of Lionel Messi as he named the Barcelona superstar's finest asset.

Messi is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won five Ballons d'Or and 32 titles with La Liga giants Barcelona.

The skillful 31-year-old attacker – Barca's all-time leading scorer – is enjoying another prolific campaign thanks to 21 goals in all competitions, including a league-high 15 in La Liga.

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The Argentina international has also rolled up 10 assists, with team-mate Luis Suarez second only to Messi in the league scoring charts.

Barcelona are top of the table at the turn of the year, three points better than Atletico Madrid, who sit second, and eight better than rivals Real Madrid, who currently sit fourth and hold a game in hand.