Lionel Messi penned the foreword of journalist Julián Mozo's tribute to Argentine basketball legend Manu Ginóbili, entitled 'El señor de los talentos' (The Master of Talents). The Barça star's admiration for his compatriot shines forth in his words.

Messi opens by confessing his love of basketball. "I've got to admit that I like basketball. I watch matches and I even play sometimes. There's a video of me having a little contest with Pepe Costa, a Barça assistant. I don't think my shooting technique is any good, but I have fun", the Argentine notes.

"I also know that several NBA players wear the number 10 jersey in my honour, which is really special. Just like being praised by superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant. But nothing meant as much to me as when Manu came out in my defence after the 2011 Copa América in Argentina. The fact that someone like him, a sportsman with his class and commitment, supported me like that gave me a real lift", Messi continues.

"We all know Manu is a genius out on court, one who makes the difference because, as well as his ability, he's always thinking about what the team needs to win. He has an amazing mentality and I can tell from the way he acts and talks that he's a great leader who puts the team above his own performance".

"It makes me hugely proud to hear journalists call Manu the Messi of basketball, but actually they should call me the Manu of football", the four-time Ballon d'Or winner raves.