The Croatia international has stressed that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the best, but is confident his Brazilian team-mate can reach the same heights
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic believes Neymar has what it takes to reach the heights of Lionel Messi in the future.
The Brazil international has been in sublime form in 2014-15 after a difficult first season at Camp Nou following his transfer from Santos and has already netted 17 goals in 20 La Liga outings.
Rakitic feels Messi remains the best in the world for now, but believes Neymar can eventually match the Argentina international.
"Messi is the best. I can see that, you can see that and everybody who sees him play can see that," the Croatia international told Cadena SER.
"Someone else might have won the Ballon d'Or this time around, but Messi is absolutely unique. There will never be someone like him again.
"Neymar? He has what it takes to reach the same heights as Messi. He is still very young and already very important for us. He will only get better in the years to come."
Neymar currently sits joint fourth in the race for the European Golden Shoe with 34 points. Ronaldo leads the ranking with 56 points, ahead of Lionel Messi on 52 points and Yevgeni Kabayev on 36 points.
The 23-year-old will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday when Barcelona host Malaga at Camp Nou.
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