Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez says Argentina forward Lionel Messi has shown he's the world's best player at this year's World Cup.

Xavi says his Barcelona teammate's play has been "spectacular," with Messi "participating in every goal and making the difference."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says Messi, who turned 23 on Thursday, is the leader of a "potent Argentina team," which won its group with a perfect record to set up a match against Mexico in the round of 16.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa also believes Messi is the world's best ahead of his team's Group H match against Spain on Friday.

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