The prolific forward has been likened to some of the best sportsmen in history for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It's crazy that I'm compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don't like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when (my career) is over we'll see how well I've done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I'm my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.