11 May,2011 08:45 AM IST | | Agencies
Brazilian legend Pele has heaped praise on Manchester United's Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, arguing that the Mexico striker could reach the same heights achieved by Argentine maestro Lionel Messi in world football.
The young goal-machine has been in fantastic form in Manchester since moving from Chivas in 2010, scoring 20 times in 42 appearances.
"He could be the next Messi because he has great talent; he is a big surprise just as Hugo Sanchez was because he is another that scores a lot of goals," he said.
Messi also found himself in Pele's spotlight, but the Brazilian had rather less complimentary words for the Barca star.u00a0
"There is a big difference between Barcelona's Messi and Argentina's Messi. When Messi plays in the Seleccion he is not the same player," he concluded.
Messi and Chicharito will meet in Wembley on May 28 for the Champions League final.
Barcelona face Levante tonight in a La Liga encounter needing just one point to win the Spanish title.
