Spanish international Carles Puyol, Lionel Messi's teammate at Barcelona, spoke out recently about his thoughts on the upcoming 2010 World Cup and particularly how effective Messi could be.

Speaking to France Football, Puyol declared that the usual candidates, England, Brazil, Argentina and Germany will all mount strong challenges for the World Cup.

In regards to Argentina and Messi, Puyol stated, "The Argentinians need to take advantage of his immense talent. Leo [Messi] is an incredible player, an essential piece of our Barca. With him, Barcelona is much stronger. It is only logical that he be the same for Argentina."

In regards to his thoughts on Spain's chances of taking their European glory in 2008 to the next level, Puyol declared, "we will modestly try to change the established order. We are coming off our European Championship, which is not an easy title, and this should demand at least a little respect."

David Beckham has warned that Argentina's Lionel Messi could take the World Cup by storm this summer but insists England are 'lucky' to have an exceptional group of players themselves.

The on loan AC Milan midfielder rates Barcelona forward Messi as 'the closest player'to England's 1986 nemesis Diego Maradona but believes Fabio Capello can count ona number of key men when England mount their challenge.

'Messi is one of the best players I've played against and also one of the finest players I've ever seen,' Beckham told FIFA's official website.

Top of the world: Beckham knows all too well about the quality of Lionel Messi 'For a little player, he's so talented. He's the closest player to Maradona that you can get, and he even plays in a similar passionate way too. 'He's successful and a really good person as well. I'm sure he'll go on to be even more successful in the future.'

  England hopeful David Beckham admits: I wish I'd stayed at UnitedBecks will battle way to World Cup as star refuses to take England for grantedLionel Messi crowns stunning year by winning FIFA world player of the year Asked who was England's answer to Messi, the 34-year-old said: 'I think we've got many key players in our team.

Beckham: Looking ahead to South Africa Related links Teams England Players David Beckham Lionel Messi Also see News list History Galleries Top Tens Venues David Beckham believes Lionel Messi poses the biggest threat to England's bid to lift the World... Full Article at Sky Sports

The Barcelona star Lionel Messi is yet to get the favor of sport fans back in Argentina, as he was beaten by tennis star Del Potro, in a contest for the Argentine Athlete of 2009 award.

Lionel Messi has been Europe’s top figure in football this year, having helped Barcelona to dominate in six competition, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

However, it looks like the main concern of sport lovers in Argentina is shifted on Lionel Messi’s poor form for his country. Messi hasn’t been scoring regularly in his recent games for the Albicelestes, despite all the expectations from Coach Maradona and the rest of his supporters.

It was therefore the Argentine tennis expert’s chance on December 23 to clinch the Argentine Athlete of 2009 honor, as he surpassed the reigning FIFA Player of the Year Lionel Messi in the voting.

Del Potro won the U.S. Open, in addition to other tournaments in Washington and Auckland, and he also reached the Masters Series Finals in London.

Isaac Asante, LMF