Brazil legend Pele rates Lionel Messi, who he thinks is the “most consistent player” over the last decade, above Cristiano Ronaldo.
The legendary Brazilian forward, who has always been reluctant to put any footballer above him, has put the Barcelona forward above his peers.
Currently the debate on who the best footballer in the world today centres on Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo his counterpart at Real Madrid.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a great goalscorer, but Messi is the best,” said Pele.
“You mention several names, but from the last 10 or 15 years, I think Messi’s been the most consistent player, without doubt.
“You could mention others, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s a great goalscorer, he reminds me of Ronaldo.
“In the end, Ronaldo score goals and you see Messi giving assists and creating play, as well as scoring.
“In terms of being a complete player, there’s no doubt that Messi is the best.”
Since breaking into Barça’s first-team under Frank Rijkaard in 2004, he’s gone on to amass an incredible 464 goals, as well as creating a further 217, in 540 appearances.
Goalscoring and creating aside, his all-round play earned him five Ballon d’Or crowns, enabling the Catalan giants to eight La Liga titles and four European Cups.
Widely considered an all-time great, Messi’s current valuation according to transfermarkt is in excess of £100 million.
The Argentine’s current deal expires in 2018, but given the emotional connection he’s built in Spain’s second largest city, it’s hard to see him playing for another giant of European football.
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