One of FC Barcelona's first team stars has responded to Pele's recent criticism of superstar Lionel Messi, following the Argentine's two free-kick goals this weekend.
Click through the gallery above to see pictures of Messi in action on Saturday.
The 31-year-old scored a brace of direct free-kicks in the Catalan club's 4-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday evening, just days after he was harshly criticised by Brazil legend Pele.
The 78-year-old had claimed that Messi could not be compared to him as the Barca forward has just one skill and can only kick with his left foot.
Pele also said Diego Maradona was not only better than Blaugrana talisman, but that he was much better player than the five-time Ballon d'Or winner too.
Messi, not usually one to address his critics publicly, took to the field on Saturday perhaps looking to set the record straight. The Barca superstar struck twice from two free-kicks, bringing up his 16th and 17th goals of the season.
After the game, left-back Jordi Alba got involved in the heated debate prompted by Pele.
"Pele must not be able to see very well if he says what he says about Leo," he said, according to Sport.
"It seems like a lie that someone in the world of football could speak like that."
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Messi has now scored 17 goals in as many games this season, while he has also assisted a further 10 strikes across all competitions.
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