Ferguson: Messi is amongst the all-time greats

Jan 9, 2012, 15:04 GMT

Zurich - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Monday that Barcelona's Lionel Messi was one of the all-time greats of the game.

Messi was the overwhelming favourite to pick up a third successive FIFA Player of the Year award later Monday, while Ferguson competes with Barcelona's Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho for the Coach of the Year award.

Ferguson told a press conference ahead of Monday night's FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich's Kongresshaus that Messi could have played at the highest level at any time.

'There are players like Pele, like Diego Maradona or like Alfredo di Stefano, who would have been the best at any time they played. Messi is certainly in that category,' Ferguson said.

Messi helped Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Champions League, the World Club Cup as well as the Spanish and UEFA Super Cups, but still simply enjoys playing football.

'I don't really think of what I have achieved and what I can achieve, I just enjoy every moment,' the Argentine Messi said.

The two other finalists for the Player of the Year are Messi's team-mate Xavi, as well as Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.