Messi Best In The World - Pele

Football legend Pele has labelled Argentine superstar Lionel Messi as the "best player in the world", while he has also revealed that his biggest regret during his career was never being able to take part in an Olympics Games.

Olympics

The Selecao may be the most successful ever footballing nation, winning five World Cups, and qualifying for every finals since the competition’s birth in 1930, however, believe it or not, they have never won Gold at the Olympic Games.

They came close in 1984 and 1988, winning silver, while they picked up a bronze in 1996, but this remains the best they have ever done. Many thought that Beijing 2008 could have been the year for Brazil, until they were thrashed 3-0 in the semi final on Tuesday to bitter rivals Argentina.

One of the country’s greatest ever players, Pele, has now revealed that he deeply regrets never being able to lead Brazil to Olympic glory.

"My biggest regret is not ever being able to take part in an Olympics,” said Pele.

“During my time as a player it was forbidden for professionals to participate. If I had of had the chance to play, Brazil would have certainly won that Olympic Gold that they have never won. And furthermore I would have had a medal too."

Messi

One player who has been lighting up the Olympics for Argentina is Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, and Pele regards the 21-year-old as the best in the world.

"I knew when we gave Kaka the FIFA World Player of the Year award that he would become the best player in the world.

"With young people like him we need patience and that is the problem we have in Brazil.

“Someone like Pato comes along, and straight away they say he is a great champion without anything being proven on the field.”

Pele had a glittering career, winning medals galore with club side Santos, as well as picking up three World Cup winners medals with Brazil.

Anthony Sormani