Lionel Messi has insisted that he does not need to lift the World Cup to be considered one of the greatest players of all time.

The Barcelona attacker, who will travel to the tournament with Argentina this summer, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the sport.

It has been claimed that the 26-year-old needs to win the biggest prize in international football to be considered alongside the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona, but Messi does not believe that is the case.

"I think there are many players considered the best ever without a World Cup, but obviously winning a World Cup is a positive and it would be very special," he told Ole.

"I hope we are in Rio [the venue for the final of Brazil 2014] enjoying the day there. Hopefully, we can reach that final."

Messi has scored 37 times in 83 games for his county.