Barcelona midfielder Arthur says he’s in awe of Lionel Messi after getting an up-close look at what his star team-mate is capable of.

Arthur is in his first season at the club having joined from Gremio last summer, and has instantly become a vital player in Ernesto Valverde’s squad, having made 38 appearances for La Blaugrana and establishing himself as a first-choice midfielder.

The 22-year-old has impressed with his passing range and intelligence on the ball, and Arthur has hailed the impact of playing alongside Messi as he’s adapted to his new club.

Speaking after Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, a result that leaves Valverde’s side needing just two more wins to secure a second straight La Liga title, Arthur revealed how Messi has helped players like himself and fellow summer recruit Malcom this season.

“It’s a strange feeling, even today I say to myself, “Oh wow it’s Messi,'” Arthur said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“Messi is amazing, on and off the field. He is our technical leader and in the dressing room, he is fantastic, he reads football like nobody else, he is extremely intelligent.

“He talks not only with me, with everyone, with Malcolm, with all of us who are new, he speaks and is interested in our adaptation.”

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