“It would be a lack of respect towards Messi” - Premier League breakout star shuts down Lionel Messi comparison following praise from Carlos Tevez

Facundo Buonanotte has played down calls from Carlos Tevez that the youngster is reminding him of Lionel Messi. The Leicester City loanee claims that it is disrespectful to the legendary footballer to make the comparison.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Buonanotte stated that he grew up idolizing Messi. The 19-year-old added that the Inter Miami star is still the best in the world, and it is impossible to reach his level. He said (via GOAL):

"No, it is impossible. He was my idol growing up, my absolute hero. I'm only 19 and he was playing many huge derbies for Barcelona against Real Madrid by then. It was great of Tevez to say that and I think maybe he was referring more to my speed and acceleration off the mark.

"It went viral and exploded everywhere, but it would be a lack of respect towards Messi to make a direct comparison. At the age of 37, he's still the best player in the world. He's going to still be performing like this for a long time to come."

Talking about being on the same squad with the Barcelona legend, the young Argentina international added:

"I was on the bench when he scored his hat-trick against Bolivia [in a 6-0 win]. I was between [Giovani] Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul and we just sat there laughing like schoolkids. He has that effect on all of us, whatever the age. He's just incredible."

Facundo Buonanotte has not played with Lionel Messi yet, despite the two being in the Argentina squad lately. The teenager has scored three goals and assisted twice in eight Premier League matches this season for Leicester City.

Carlos Tevez compares Facundo Buonanotte to Lionel Messi

Carlos Tevez heaped praise on Facundo Buonanotte in October and claimed that the teenager reminded him of Lionel Messi. He added that the Argentine teenager has no limits and can become one of the best in the world. He said (via msn.com):

"When he brakes and accelerates he reminds me of Messi. I haven't seen a boy play like that for a long time, that gives me so much pleasure. Facu has a great mentality, he doesn't seem to be 17 years old. He is at a very high level, one thinks that he has no ceiling, it is where he wants to go. He is physically impeccable."

Facundo Buonanotte is expected to make the squad once again for Argentina's upcoming matches this month. Lionel Messi is also expected to make the side, unless he opts to sit out after Inter Miami's MLS Cup campaign.