Gomez: Messi at another level

Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez has played down comparisons with Barcelona star Lionel Messi after their respective Champions League exploits.

Germany international Gomez bagged four goals in Bayern’s 7-0 thrashing of Basel in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

That impressive performance came a week after Messi made Champions League history by scoring five times in Barca’s 7-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

While two big hauls in quick succession have invited a comparison between the forwards, Gomez has stressed Argentina international Messi is a different type of player, and does not expect to match the Ballon d’Or holder’s extraordinary standards.

“I’ll never be as good as Messi and I’d never try to be,” Gomez was quoted as saying by UEFA.com

“He’s a completely different player to me. I don’t see him as a peer. I see him as the ultimate footballer.”

Gomez, 26, has been in excellent form for Bayern this term, and has already netted 34 goals in all competitions during 2011/12.