Brazilian legend Pele has made his opinion known on football’s most discussed current debate, by revealing that he believes that Lionel Messi is a better player than his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, but also thinks that he himself was superior to the pair, reports the Daily Mail.
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When asked who he felt was the stronger of the modern greats, the 74-year-old responded: “Which is the best one? Messi has been the best player of the last 10 years.”
“Ronaldo is that striker who scores goals, but Messi does that and helps with assists,” he added.
Despite his high praise for the Argentinian, the three time World Cup winner also explained that he felt neither are as good as he was.
“I never saw myself play, but I think I was the better player.”
The debate over the Barcelona and Real Madrid players has reignited ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico, and following Messi’s incredible performance in midweek against Manchester City, which helped Luis Enrique’s side through to the last eight of the Champions League, while rumours continue to circulate that his nemesis could be on his way out of Spain, as his relationship continues to deteriorate with Madrid’s fans.