Alba came to the defence of Messi over Pele's remarks (Image: GETTY )
Alba has come to the defence of Messi after Pele made controversial comments about the Argentine's ability last week.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and comparisons have long ranged on with his fellow compatriot Diego Maradona.
And Alba believes that Pele's comments were wrong.
"Pele must not be able to see very well if he says what he says about Leo," the Barcelona left-back told Sport.
"It seems like a lie that someone in the world of football could speak like that."
Messi hasn't responded to Pele vocally - but scored two sublime free-kicks on the weekend against rivals Espanyol that might leave the 78-year-old rethinking his words.
The three-time World Cup winner also stated that he thought Maradona was 'much better' than Messi.
"How can you make a comparison between a guy who heads the ball well, shoots with the left, shoots with the right and another who only shoots with one leg, only has one skill and doesn't head the ball well?," the former Santos man said.
Pele doesn't seem to rate Messi as highly as others (Image: GETTY )
Messi has enjoyed a record-breaking glittering career so far, having won nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
His personal trophy cabinet's not lacking any silverware either, having won five Ballon d'Ors.
The forward has also racked up nearly 600 goals for Barcelona and is their all-time top scorer, as well as having reached the summit of Argentina's scoring charts too.
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Messi scored a sublime header against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final (Image: GETTY )
Messi has won four Champions Leagues with Barcelona (Image: GETTY )
Many, though, believe that Messi can't be regarded as the greatest until he completes the ultimate triumph - winning the World Cup.
His latest attempt, however, ended in more heartbreak for the Barcelona captain - losing in the last 16 to France.
Gary Lineker also weighed in on Pele's comments, and it's fair to say he didn't agree either.
He tweeted: "If this is how you judge players then the same would apply to Maradona. Utter nonsense."