Real Betis defender Marc Bartra admits he's surprised seeing Lionel Messi make his transfer demand at Barcelona.

Messi made the demand before withdrawing it ahead of the new season kickoff.

Former Barca defender Bartra told Sport: "For me, Leo is the best player in the history of football.

“Messi has given everything for Barça and Barça has given everything for him.

"Seeing it from the outside it may surprise because Leo is very culé, but it is a special situation that I have not experienced from the inside and I cannot say much more."