Messi plays like he is in a video game: Azarenka

New York, September 8

Tennis star Victoria Azarenka heaped praise on Argentina football captain Lionel Messi, insisting that the Barcelona star plays like he is in a video game.

Messi netted two for Argentina in a 7-0 win over Bolivia in a friendly in Houston on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Belarusian, who has reached the women's singles quarter-finals of the US Open with a win over Varvara Lepchenko, hailed the Barcelona star's abilities as "unthinkable" and said she looks out for his games in her free time.

"Seeing Messi play is like watching a video game. It's really something exciting. I couldn't watch the game against Bolivia because of the time difference and because I'm a little busy these days, but I will look for him because he's just amazing," Azarenka was quoted as saying by goal.com on Monday.

Azarenka was floored by Messi's ability to display magic with the ball.

"What Messi does on a football field is simply unthinkable. I had the pleasure of seeing him at the stadium once in Barcelona and, for me, he is amazing. The way he walks from side to side, and once he sees an opportunity, he simply creates magic," the 26-year-old said.

"Footballers play with their feet. I wouldn't say that I am as good with my hands as he is with his feet, but I'm trying."  — IANS