"Messi is the best" - Carlos Tevez

While rumors of supposed arguments between two of Argentina's top players fly, forward Carlos Tevez expressed his admiration for teammate Lionel Messi in the run-up to the start of the Copa America tournament.

"I can be nicer off the pitch but what's important is how you play and he (Messi) is the best," Tevez told Copa America on Friday.

Tevez, who currently plays for Italian club Juventus, will be unable to attend Saturday's friendly against Bolivia due to the Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona.

Lionel Messi is also unable to attend the friendly as he will play for the opposing team in the final which has added to fuel to the fire regarding the two countrymen's dislike of each other.

The rumored rift between the players was created in the wake of the Copa America 2011 when Tevez fell out of favor with then manager Alejandro Sabella who dropped him from the team in favor of a partnership between Messi and Sergio Aguero according to Copa America's official website.

Tevez has always denied this rift.

"He is out of this world. He is the best and there is no doubt about it," said Tevez about Messi to Copa America.

With a change of manager, under Gerardo Martino, all players have a clean slate and Tevez is back on the squad.

Argentina will begin their Copa America campaign on June 13 against Paraguay. Endi