Manchester - Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has heaped praise on Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, labelling his compatriot as the world's best player.
Messi has been named on a three-man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men's Player Award 2016 alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann.
The Barcelona superstar missed out on the 2016 Ballon d'Or as perennial rival Ronaldo claimed his fourth award, but Aguero feels his Argentina team-mate is the most deserving of the FIFA accolade.
"He [Messi] is ahead of the rest, including the other nominees," Aguero told FIFA.com.
"And I'm not just saying that because he's my friend. I train with him and I see it with my own eyes.
"He does things I don't see anyone else doing. He's the best there is."
Aguero's comments follow recent calls from himself and City team-mate Yaya Toure for Messi to consider joining Pep Guardiola's revolution at the Etihad Stadium.
He said: "Yes, he should come to City. Then we'll definitely play together. City should buy him."
"If Messi can leave Barca? To come to us, yes. I want to say yes," Toure added.