Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has described the comparisons being made between Lionel Messi and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling as "exaggerated".

After his free-scoring form for both City and England, Sterling has been tipped to rival the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the tag as best footballer in the world.

However, despite Sterling having already contributed eight goals and three assists this campaign, Busquets feels that the praise for the wideman may have a negative effect.

The Spaniard is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "Look, Sterling is a player with a big profile and a big potential, but comparing him to Leo Messi seems very exaggerated and not positive for the player.

"What is true is that each one is playing a very big role in his club. He is a good player and can also have a lot of influence on the English national team."

Messi is yet to make an appearance for Barcelona since the start of the season due to injury.