England coach Fabio Capello has rated Lionel Messi as the best player in the world, and the favourite for the upcoming FIFA World Player of the Year.

The former Milan, Juventus and Roma boss says that the Argentine is a step ahead of some of the world's best players, and someone that a team would love to have.

"There is not only Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Kaká, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard," Capello remarked to TMW.

"We are talking about fantastic players here, but according to me, a step above them all is Lionel Messi.

"He is an unpredictable player, with great imagination," he concluded.

The decision for the FIFA World Player of the Year will be made in the next month, with Messi widely tipped to receive the prestigious award, following his stunning performances in the Champions League and La Liga.