Messi, Suarez, Neymar 'best friends in the world,' says Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic has refuted Cristiano Ronaldo's suggestion that team relationships aren't overly important, saying that Barcelona has benefited greatly from the friendship shared by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo pointed to how he was merely a teammate at Manchester United and still enjoyed great success in Stretford, but Rakitic, who has the pleasure of playing behind Barca's South American triumvirate on a regular basis, believes their bond has been pivotal to the club's successes.

"The surprising thing about Messi, Neymar, and Suarez is they are not egotistical," Rakitic told Jutarnji via ESPN FC. "Despite having three different personalities, there is complete harmony.

"It may sound like an exaggeration, but they are the best friends in the world, the best friends in the history of football. And I don't need to say how important that is for us."

The superb trio faced some rare criticism this week for apparently humiliating Celta Vigo with a "penalty pass," although suggestions since have called it a homage to Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff or even an alternative way to remedy a poor penalty conversation rate for the front three.

"We've been accused of humiliating our rivals, but we see it in another way," Rakitic added. "Messi is a genius, a player you don't see every day.

"The move was spontaneous, in training we don't practice these type of things."

Rakitic will continue to vie for a spot in midfield with Arda Turan ahead of Barcelona's tilt at Las Palmas on Saturday.