Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has highlighted the leadership of Lionel Messi amongst the players.

Rakitic revealed Messi is always among the first inside Barca's squad to welcome new signings.

He told El Hormiguero: "He's the reference, our game depends a lot on him, he does not need to talk to understand him, with a gesture it is enough.

"He's shy because he knows that everyone is watching him, he was one of the first to support me when I arrived and was always wondering if I needed something, he's a different person than the others."

Rakitic added: "He is the best in history, capable of turning the game around in a second."