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Sampaoli: Messi is Batman compared to other players

Albert Gea / Reuters

Jorge Sampaoli, the manager of La Liga title pursuer Sevilla, has heaped praise on Barcelona's Lionel Messi, likening the diminutive Argentinian to Batman.

Sampaoli has been an instant hit in Andalusia since taking over in the summer, leading a charge for top spot which sees it currently one point adrift of Real Madrid - and prompting speculation that he could oversee the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar at Barcelona in the near future.

Although Sampaoli could be mistaken for a villain due to his slight resemblance to Hood, the bad guy from old children's favourite "Thunderbirds," it seems he only has eyes for superheroes.

"I've always said that to compare Messi with the rest is like comparing a great policeman to Batman," he told beIN Sports Espana, as translated by ESPN FC's Adriana Garcia.

The former Chile boss added that Messi is "the best in the world."

Sampaoli inspired Sevilla to end Real Madrid's 40-game unbeaten streak last Sunday with a 2-1 win, putting domestic honours within sight after collecting his last piece of silverware with a Copa America win in 2015.

His early successes have earned the adulation of the Sanchez Pizjuan faithful.

"I'm happy that Sevilla fans are enthusiastic," Sampaoli said. "Our duty is for the fans to turn up on the pitch, especially at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, to be euphoric from start to finish. It would be a failure otherwise.

"I'm happy that Sevilla fans are pleased. It generates more responsibility as we will have to surpass 85 points and that is going to be very, very challenging."

Sevilla travels to bottom-placed Osasuna in this Sunday's slate of top-flight tilts.

"I know Real Madrid and Barcelona will do so and probably Atletico (Madrid) will come close," he continued. "We are there now and need to assume our place and maintain ourselves up there as long as possible."

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