Lionel Messi news: 'It's hard being in Messi's shadow'- Former Barcelona icon reveals why playing alongside Messi is tough

What's the story?

Former Barcelona star, Rivaldo, has admitted that playing alongside Lionel Messi may not be ideal for any top player.

In case you didn't know...

Lionel Messi is enjoying one of his best seasons in his glittering career and his impact with Barcelona has been unfathomable.

The Barcelona captain leads the goalscoring charts in Europe with 42 goals, leads the race for European Golden Shoe with 32 goals and is the highest assist provider among Europe's top five leagues with 21 assists in all competitions.

As a result of the Argentine's exploits, Barcelona sit top of the table in the La Liga with an 8-point lead over Atletico Madrid and are in the Champions League Quarter Finals. The Blaugrana are also in the Copa Del Rey final, where they will face Valencia.

On the other hand, Rivaldo needs no introduction. The Brazilian legend won the Ballon d'Or during his tenure at the Nou Camp and formed the famous attacking trio of '3 Rs' for Brazil in the 2002 World Cup.

Rivaldo was also the highest scorer in the Copa America winning campaign in 1999, scoring five goals in the tournament.

The heart of the matter

Atletico Madrid forward, Antoine Griezmann, has been linked with Barcelona just like last season but the French sharpshooter dramatically chose to stay with Atletico. Rivaldo has claimed that he understands Griezmann's decision as it is hard to play in the shadow of Lionel Messi.

Speaking in a recent interview, Rivaldo said:

"I am not disappointed that Griezmann did not sign for Barcelona as every player has his own way of seeing things,"

"There are many great players at Barcelona and it's hard being in Messi's shadow.[Griezmann is] a world champion that I like very much as a player."

The Brazilian also discussed Real Madrid's poor season.

"Real Madrid need big players as this season they haven't done well," Rivaldo added, "they need someone that can change the situation."

What's next?

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann are set to feature when Barcelona and Atletico Madrid meet next in La Liga.