Mark Lawrenson has labelled Barcelona ace Lionel Messi as the best player he has ever seen.

The Argentine maestro tore apart Bayern Munich late in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night as Barca saluted 3-0.

Messi produced stunning goals in 77th and 80th minutes before playing in Neymar for the third goal in injury-time and his performance was lauded by former Liverpool defender Lawrenson.

"You just can't underestimate the brilliance of Lionel Messi, the best in the world and possibly the best I have ever seen in my life," he said.

"Sometimes in sport and in life there is no answer to brilliance. Bayern had no answer to Messi's goal in the 77th and 80th minute.

"It has been a privilege to be at this game. To watch somebody like him do what he has done to Bayern is ability at its very best."