Messi was named in the FIFPro World XI on Monday, but missed out on being in the top three for FIFA's Best Men's Player award.

Real Madrid and Croatia star Luka Modric claimed the main prize, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.

Regardless, Eto'o – who played alongside Messi at Barca from 2004-2009 – said the Argentina star was the greatest of all-time.

"Leo, for us, will always be the best player in the world ever," Eto'o said. "The human beings have to choose and they chose those three players, who have done well this year too.

"But for people like me and others, it doesn't change the fact that Leo is the best player in the world ever."

Messi has won nine LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns among numerous other trophies at Barca, while he is a five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or.