Villa: Lionel Messi cannot be compared to anyone

Barcelona striker David Villa has hailed team-mate Lionel Messi, saying the Argentina captain is one of a kind. The 24-year-old has been in a rich vein of form this season and his hat-trick in Saturday's 5-0 win over Atletico Madrid has put him at the top of La Liga's scoring charts, with eight goals. Messi has said he is looking to surpass Cesar Rodriguez's scoring record for Barcelona, and while Villa played down individual records, he noted that the diminutive forward is in a league of his own. "Messi does incredible things," Villa said at a press conference. "His stats make you cover your eyes. He cannot be compared to anyone. We are delighted." The 29-year-old striker, who has so far scored five goals in all competitions this season, stressed he is happy with life at Camp Nou. "Being at this club is a symptom of happiness," he noted. "I am very happy both on and off the field and I hope to stay here for many more years. "I am not used to being a substitute, but in the dressing room there are 15 or 16 players who are not used to it either."