Lionel Messi's top 5 teammates at Barcelona

Lionel Messi is quite simply the greatest player to ever play for FC Barcelona. Making his debut in 2004, the little magician has gone on to become the most decorated player in the history of the Catalan club.

Every major Barcelona record belongs to the Argentine captain, and by the time he is done, he might go down as the greatest to ever play the sport. Recently, Messi won his 6th career Ballon d'Or, making him the player with the most Golden Balls in history.

Messi has also won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, amongst numerous others trophies. However, as good as the forward is, he has had some great help over the years. From legendary centre-backs such as Carles Puyol to brilliant strike partners such as Neymar and David Villa, there has been no shortage of greatness next to Messi.

In this list, we take a look at the five best teammates which the player has had besides him in his Barcelona career -

5) Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba has formed a brilliant connection with Messi

Jordi Alba has been an integral part of the Barcelona team since his arrival at the club in 2012. Competent defensively and brilliant on the offensive end, the Spanish international has been a consistent presence in Barcelona's back four.

Messi and Alba both enjoy playing with each other, as they share certain chemistry that is often lacking in even the best of strike duos. When Alba moves forward, he just knows where Messi will be or what run he is going to make.

Due to his great passing ability, the left-back has been involved in many one-twos with his team captain which have presented trouble for the opposition defence.

After the departure of the other club legends such as Andres Iniesta, Alba is one of the most long-standing Barcelona players, and his connection with Messi is to be envied and appreciated.

4) Andres Iniesta

Barcelona v Sevilla - Spanish Copa del Rey Final

Andres Iniesta is not only one of Barcelona's greatest players, but he is also one of the best midfielders of all time. Described as many to be one of the most technically gifted players ever, Iniesta created plays with an ease that cannot be taught.

Making his Barcelona debut a couple of years before Messi, the two players shared a great understanding on the field. Both of their peaks coincided, and Iniesta was often the facilitator who made goalscoring easier for his teammate. A magician on the field, the Spanish international could switch up the play and increase the tempo of the game at his own will.

The two players played together for over a decade and won everything at club level. Messi's last Champions League came when Iniesta was at his peak with Barcelona, and there is no doubt that he and Barcelona both miss their graceful former captain.

3) Dani Alves

South American rivals, but the best of friends at Barcelona

Barcelona fans were no doubt very disappointed when Dani Alves decided to move on from the club a few years ago - however, the saddest person in the world would probably have been Messi.

Despite representing two rival nations on the biggest stage, Alves and Messi were the best of friends at Barcelona. Although Iniesta was the one who created space and made passes for the attack, Alves was the one with whom Messi had the best connection. The bond between these two was almost telepathic, and their link-up play was better than most forwards around the world.

From Barcelona's first title under Pep Guardiola to the day Alves left, the Brazilian and the Argentine were an offensive force which could break down any defence. The right-back was almost like a wing partner for Messi. It is a shame that Alves left when he did, for there is no doubt that his presence would have bolstered Messi's offensive prowess even more.

2) Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez is the best strike partner Messi has ever had

Lionel Messi has played with some of the greatest attacking players of this generation - Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o, David Villa, Ronaldinho, Neymar, etc. The list is long, but one name stands out over the others in terms of his chemistry and partnership with the little magician - Luis Suarez.

Suarez was already a phenomenon at Liverpool where he was breaking records with ease and was known for his finishing as well as his playmaking. At Barcelona, he joined forces with Messi and Neymar and they formed one of the best trios we have ever seen. Although Neymar left a couple of years later, Suarez stayed and his connection with Messi kept getting better and better.

Both players are perfect for each other - excellent finishers, great dribblers, and selfless forwards who love creating chances for each other. There is no ego involved in this partnership, just two best friends doing what they love. Although Suarez is not as good as he was, he is always a menace on the field and his partnership with Messi might just be the best we have seen in quite a while.

1) Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is Barcelona's greatest midfielder ever

If it had not been for Messi, Xavi Hernandez would be considered as the greatest Barcelona player ever. Had it not been for Xavi, there is a very good chance that Messi would not have been the player he is today.

Although the 6-time Ballon d'Or winner had better chemistry and connections with Luis Suarez and Dani Alves, there is no disputing the fact that quality-wise, Messi has never had a teammate as great as Xavi. The Spanish midfielder may just be the greatest central midfielder we have ever seen, and his reading of the game is unparalleled.

Xavi has guided the current Barcelona captain a lot. The World Cup winner was an integral part of the first team when Messi arrived on the scene, and both of them achieved greatness together. Xavi would find Messi with a pass, and the Argentine would find the back of the net with ease. It was the simplest partnership ever, with both the players being the best in the world at what they do.

There is no doubt that Messi and Co will be hoping that La Masia produces a player who is even half as good as Xavi, and his place at the top here is without debate.