Neymar Rated World's Best Ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by Rivaldo

Brazil and Barcelona legend Rivaldo has had his say on whom he thinks is the best player in the world, and it's not Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo or Barcelona's Lionel Messi—it's Messi's team-mate, Neymar.

The 43-year-old wrote the following on his official Instagram account on Monday:

"

I would like to say that it has been good to see @Neymarjr playing for Barcelona and specially with this shirt 11, that I know very well. I do not know who will be the best in the world 2015, but in my humble opinion and respecting Cristiano Ronaldo Messi and others, Neymar deserves to be the best in the world.

"

Neymar has been in sumptuous form this season, having notched an incredible 13 goals and seven assists in just 14 appearances, and his tally of 11 strikes in the league makes him La Liga's leading scorer.

The Brazilian is already well on his way to equalling if not surpassing his astounding numbers from last year—39 goals and 11 assists, all told.

Squawka Football highlighted the way the 23-year-old has stepped out from Messi's shadow while the Argentinian has been injured:

Most recently, the forward scored a simply stunning goal against Villarreal, in which he flicked the ball over a defender's head before volleying it in. Twitter user MSNstation shares beIN Sports' video:

"

Ray Hudson: "The running target is found brilliantly and then the wonderful hocus pocus from Neymar." pic.twitter.com/eiPRrAHu1l

— MSNstation™ (@msnstation) November 10, 2015"

Football journalist Rik Sharma is also of the opinion that Neymar is rising in stature:

Given Neymar's explosive form, coupled with Messi being injured and Ronaldo not quite firing on all cylinders, having netted in just four of his 11 league outings this season, Rivaldo's comments aren't as surprising as they might have been even at the start of the campaign.

Further, Rivaldo—who won the World Cup with the Selecao in 2002—is always likely to favour his compatriot and current national team captain when it comes to these discussions.

The perennial Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has raged on for years and will continue to do so well beyond their retirement.

If Neymar can maintain his current form, that debate could soon be a three-way contest.