FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi believes that Brazilian striker Neymar will become the world's best soccer player in the near future.

Messi said in a recent interview that he is seeing a lot of positives in Neymar's game this season despite the fact that the Brazil international is coming off a back injury that forced him to miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinal.

The Argentina international said that he has developed a closer relationship on the pitch with Neymar this season, saying that the Brazilian striker has the qualities and attributes to become the best.

"You never know what will happen in football, but I think Neymar will be the best in the world because of his quality and attributes," Messi said. "We are playing closer together on the pitch than last season. Neymar is a great player and it's a pleasure to play with him. We have a good relationship."

Neymar has silenced his doubters this season, showing that he is not bothered by his previous injury at all. In five La Liga appearances, the 22-year-old scored six goals, while also netting one goal in two UEFA Champions League matches for Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Messi also added in the same interview that he is not competing with Cristiano Ronaldo, contrary to speculation that he is consciously trying to outshine the Real Madrid superstar.

Messi won the Ballon d'Or award from 2009 to 2012 before losing to Ronaldo last year. While he admitted that he is looking to reclaim the title, the superstar forward said that he is playing to win and not just to outplay Ronaldo.

"I'm not competing against Cristiano, I just do my job and I'm not competing with anyone. I just want to win trophies," Messi said. "I don't know where I stand in world football, I don't even think about it, just try to keep improving. I only think about playing."

Messi is off to a strong start this year, tallying six goals and seven assists in all competition for Barcelona, but Ronaldo is currently ahead of him in terms of goals scored as the Real Madrid forward has already netted 10 in just five La Liga matches.

For the latest sports news, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter.   

FOR MORE SOCCER NEWS UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.