Alba: Messi is priceless

Posted Tuesday, August 13, 2013 by Goal.com

The full-back insists the Argentine is the undisputed world No.1 and admits he has not seen much of Real Madrid target Gareth Bale in action

Jordi Alba believes Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is "priceless" and will be the world's best player for as long as he wishes.

Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell claimed earlier this summer that the Argentine ace would command a fee of around €580 million should any club ever attempt to prize him away from Camp Nou and Alba has made it clear the 26-year-old is out of reach for any potential suitor.

"We're talking about the best player in the world. For us, he doesn't have a price. He is No.1. No player can stand up to him, and he'll continue being No.1 for as long as he wants," he told Marca.

Real Madrid have been linked with a world-record bid for Tottenham star Gareth Bale in recent weeks, but Alba admits he has not seen enough of the player in action to comment on the proposed €115m figure.

"If I'm honest, I haven't seen him play alot but I know he is a good footballer," Alba continued.

"In each case it depends on the needs of each team, what the club is willing to pay and what the other demands. Then time will tell if a player has been cheap or expensive."

Alba also praised new coach Gerardo Martino for the way he has taken to the role in the Barca dugout, admitting he is happy to work under those who shun the limelight.

"Barcelona has always had calm coaches," he continued.

"We are happy with Tata Martino, as with Tito Vilanova. He is a quiet coach who only wants to talk about football and what happens on the pitch."

"I don't think we're going to change our style nor our way of playing very much. The truth is I like how we play."