Messi has two years left, says Scolari

The experienced trainer believes the Argentine is at the peak of his powers but has backed a certain Brazilian to replicate his feats

Brazil coach Felipe Scolari has predicted that Barcelona star Lionel Messi will be the best player in the world for the next two years.

The Argentine attacker has won four consecutive Ballons d'Or and Scolari believes there is still much more to come from the 26-year-old before the hands of time begin to take their toll on his performances.

"I think that Lionel Messi will continue to be the best player in the world for the next two years or so," Scolari was quoted as saying on the official website of the German football association.

"Messi not only plays for the team, but he also has amazing individual skills. He can decide a match all by himself with his ability."

The Brazil coach then went on to say that Neymar, 21, will need time to adapt to European football, but is confident that he will succeed at Barca.

"Now that he's at Barcelona, Neymar can show his technical abilities and make the same individual actions as Messi.

"His first year in Spain will mainly be about learning things and adapting to a new tactical formation. In Brazil we don't think as much about tactics as in Europe and Neymar will have to adapt.

"He is eager to learn, though, and will play at a higher level than in Brazil in the Spanish Liga and the Champions League."

Neymar could make his official Barcelona debut in their Liga opener against Levante on August 18.