Brazilian forward Neymar has rejected comparisons between himself and Barcelona's Lionel Messi, insisting that the Argentinian is the best player in the world.

Neymar, 20, has drawn comparisons with the three-time Ballon d'Or winner after a string of sensational performances for Santos, including netting a hat-trick just three days after Messi hit five past Bayer Leverkusen.

However, Neymar has echoed Xavi's thoughts that Messi is currently incomparable.

"Messi is above everyone, there is no use comparing me with him," said the young striker.

"He is the best player in the world and I always get inspired when I watch good football. Everyone thinks, if he can do it, so can I - but it's very difficult to do what Messi does.

"We saw Barcelona win with seven goals and Santos tried to do something similar, but we don't have Messi."

Neymar has scored 90 goals in 168 games for Santos, and won the 2011 FIFA Puskas Award for scoring the best goal of last year.