Barcelona's Neymar (L) celebrates his second goal with Lionel Messi against Mexico's club Leon during their Joan Gamper Trophy soccer match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona August 18, 2014.
“I think that with his quality and fitness, Neymar will become the best in the world." - Lionel Messi REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino

FC Bacelona centre-forward Lionel Messi believes that his teammate and fellow South American, Neymar, has all the tools to become THE number one player in the world.

The Brazil international had a relatively decent debut campaign last season, racking up a total of 13 goals and 15 assists in the La Liga and the Champions League.

Only 22, the sky is the limit for the former Santos man, who is already making noise early in Spain's top-flight, finding the back of the net six times in Barca's first five fixtures.

"I think that with his quality and fitness, Neymar will become the best in the world," Messi was quoted by Barca's official twitter account.

Messi: “I think that with his quality and fitness, @Neymarjr will become the best in the world” #FCBLive pic.twitter.com/SNdqDJ1u11

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 2, 2014

Meanwhile, chemistry among the two is no longer an issue after playing alongside each other for over a year already, making them a deadlier pair upfront.

"It's the second season that we're playing together and we're starting to know each other better," he said.

"As well this season the (Barca) strikers play more in the middle of the pitch so we can pick each other out more and find connections."

"It's a pleasure to play with him ... We've a very good relationship, he's a fabulous boy."

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