Javier Mascherano claims Lionel Messi is the only player who is bigger than FC Barcelona.

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In the club magazine he was asked about his team-mate for club and country, and the Argentine said: "He is indispensable. Leo is a unique player. We are talking about the best player in history, in this sport and of this club.

"There have been very important players in the last few years at Barcelona. Players who will stay in the history of the club. I think it's a big error to think that when you leave the club, the club will suffer.

"No, the club is bigger than any player, any other player, except for Leo. That's the reality and you have to accept it."

Mascherano had said that "the big error for a footballer is to think you are indispensable" and he's clear that beyond Messi, there are no players of that ilk.