Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo believes Barcelona star Leo Messi will surpass Diego Maradona as the world's greatest - if he can win the World Cup.

Messi's Argentina are among the favourites for this summer's tournament.

"It will be important for both Messi himself and for Argentina to win the World Cup in Russia," Pirlo told Goal.com.

“Messi is always compared to Maradona but he needs to win the World Cup because if you don't win the World Cup you can't be up there with the very best."

Pirlo won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.