Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golders

Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac has heaped praise on Barcelona star Lionel Messi saying he is “happy there is a human being like him on the pitch”.

Following the Argentine legend’s breathtaking display against Liverpool in the Champions League semi final on Wednesday, the Bayern coach was asked his opinion during a press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with Hanover 96.

Barcelona won at the Nou Camp in a comprehensive 3-0 win that saw Messi net twice, giving the Catalans a huge advantage ahead of the second tie at Anfield on 7th May.

Pictures Credit: Golders/@FCBayern

Kovac, a former midfielder and captain of the Croatia national team, admitted that Messi “always gets my vote for the Ballon d’Or.”

The 47-year-old added: “There are very good players around, but he is the best. A good team is always important, but he is the one who makes a difference. There is only one Messi. I could overwhelm him with compliments!

“You see it when there are 80,000 or 90,000 people in the stadium amazed at his greatness. You are often left speechless and simply happy there is a human being like him on the pitch.”

Messi, 31, netted his 600th goal for Barcelona in the win over Liverpool with an unstoppable free kick into the top corner.