Multi-time world player of the year Lionel Messi has sang the praises of Inter striker Lautaro Martinez amid continued reports that Barcelona wish to sign the 22-year-old.

As per various reports both in Spain and Italy, Lautaro is Barcelona’s number one target to bolster their attack in the upcoming Summer transfer window.

They are understood to see him as the long term replacement for the ageing Luis Suarez and whilst they are currently unable to pay the youngster’s €111 million release clause due to Financial Fair Play, they are willing to offer players plus cash to Inter in a deal that could be worth as much as €150 million when you take the players who could be included values into consideration.

“He is spectacular, he has impressive qualities, you could always see that he would have become a great player, now he has exploded and he is showing it,” Messi admitted in an interview that appeared in today’s print edition of Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo.

“He is very strong, he is great in one-on-ones, he scores many goals in the box, he keeps the ball well and has a lot of quality. He is a complete player.”

Messi was then asked whether he would like it if his Argentine national team teammate were to join him at the Blaugrana: “I wish he could come and play here and fight to win everything, including the Champions League.”

He then spoke on how Lautaro compares to Luis Suarez.

“Lautaro is very similar to Suarez, both of them move very well and score goals. Lautaro had a great Copa America and he has proven to be reliable. Suarez has a lot of experience and can help Lautaro adapt to the club and to La Liga.”