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Former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Wayne Rooney have both picked Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the on-going debate as to who is best in world football.
Beckham went so far as to tell Argentine publication Telam, that Ronaldo was "not at his level" when hailing Messi as the world's best footballer.
"He [Messi] is alone in his class as a player, it is impossible that there is another like him," Beckham said, before adding that there was a gap to third-best.
"He, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not at his level, are both above the rest."
Rooney agreed by writing in his weekly Sunday Times column that although he has a friendship with Ronaldo, Messi was the better player.
"Ronaldo is ruthless in the box, a killer. But Messi will torture you before he kills you. With Messi you just get the impression he is having more fun. Those two have completely changed the game in terms of goalscoring numbers and I don’t think they’ll ever be matched."
The two players have broken countless goal-scoring records over the past 15 years and have dominated Player of the Year award galas.
Beckham and Messi are both affiliated with the same sporting brand as they are both adidas ambassadors. The German company is a direct rival of Nike, whose most recognisable ambassador is, you guessed it, Ronaldo.
Rooney may feel that Ronaldo's prolonged and current success and individual feats highlight his own shortcomings as they were on a par in terms of ability early on in their careers at Old Trafford.
Even though Rooney is the Manchester United and England record goal-scorer, he is often criticised for not fully reaching his full potential due to a perceived lack of dedication and even admitted himself he should've scored more goals during his career.
Who for you is the better player - if they can be separated? Who would you pick in your starting XI if you could only have one?
Answers via email to mysport@sport24.co.za or on the Sport24 Twitter page.
- Compiled by Baden Gillion
