FC Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has explained why playing alongside superstar Lionel Messi is tough.
The Croatian has been playing with the Argentine since 2011, the year he made his move from Sevilla to the Catalan giants.
Despite Messi’s reputation as one of the best players in the world, Rakitic has admitted that playing with the 30-year-old has its difficulties.
"You have to do a lot of things for him," Rakitic told the BBC.
"He is the best player in the world. Maybe also in the history.
"You have to know he is different.
"It is easy to watch at home and say 'Yeah I can play' but when you are here, it's a little bit different."
Rakitic has played eight matches this season for Barca, scoring one goal and assisted a further two strikes.