Lionel Messi's place among football's all-time greats has inspired some memorable words from those who have watched, faced and worked alongside him.

From his extraordinary years at Barcelona to World Cup glory with Argentina, Messi has collected almost every major honour available while rewriting countless records along the way.

Messi has been what football should be about. Artistic, inventive and, when required, ruthless. A record-breaking career has included eight Ballon d'Ors and four Champions League crowns, while no player has played more games or scored more goals for Argentina.

Superlatives have often run out for Messi, but managers, teammates, opponents and fellow greats have all attempted to put his genius into words.

Here are some of the best quotes about Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi: The best quotes about the Argentine icon

“Every time Messi steps onto the pitch, everything else becomes historic and elegant. It’s time for the world to stop hiding and accept the fact that he is the best player of all time.

"I have never seen anyone like Leo Messi. He is a miracle from God! I like it when he does his things on the field. It's not jealousy - I feel good, for instance, when he nutmegs someone."

"Once they said they can only stop me with a pistol. Today you need a machine gun to stop Messi."

"Everyone has an opinion but nobody can doubt he's there as the greatest of all time. For me, he's the best. [It's]ifficult to understand a player who can compete with what he's done. The people who saw Pele or Di Stefano or Maradona, the opinions are sentimental."

"He has made history. He is a legend. It fills me with pride because he is the best player in the history of football."

"It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly two decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods."

"If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society."

"Messi is the best. There must be life out there somewhere, on some other planet. Because he is too good and we are just too bad for him."