Spain striker Fernando Torres has claimed that Kasabian are the best British band since The Beatles.

Torres said he had been arguing with Argentina's Lionel Messi about who was better – Kasabian or Oasis.

It comes after Messi revealed recently that he had been listening to the Manchester band while at the World Cup in South Africa.

"I read that Messi had discovered Oasis and was listening to them before World Cup matches, so I texted him to say that, while Oasis were good, Kasabian were the best British band since The Beatles,” Torres told The Sun.

"He replied saying 'No chance!' So I texted back saying that I bet Kasabian take Spain further than Oasis do Argentina.

"I have already won that bet, but I'm now backing them to help Spain win the World Cup."

Torres, who plays club football for Liverpool, also revealed that Spain regularly listen to Kasabian's hit 'Clubfoot' before their matches.

Spain are set to take on Germany tomorrow for a place in the World Cup final.

(by Jason Gregory)