UEFA president Michel Platini considers Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi to be the best of the current crop of players.

Speaking to fcbarcelona.net Platini declared that "Messi is the star of stars in world football."

The 22-year-old Argentinian was recently crowned FIFA World Player of the Year. The award came after a season in which Barcelona - propelled by Messi's incredible skills - won six trophies.

The wonderkid has been in sterling form this season too - having already notched up 16 goals for his club.

Platini is in no doubt that these achievements have made Messi the best players on the planet.

"When I saw the eleven best players at the FIFA gala in December I knew they were all very good," he said.

"But Messi was the star of stars and then there was [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Kaka and all the rest."