The debate over whether the Manchester United star or the Argentine should hold the honor has raged on, but the former Arsenal captain believes that although Messi has extraordinary capabilities, the Portugal international deserves that status.

"First of all, you have to take into account that Leo and Cristiano Ronaldo are different players," he told Record.

"For sure they can play on any position from the midfield up, they both have extraordinary technique, but they are different. And, if Messi is scoring more goals nowadays, Ronaldo is a player that has scored more and topped the scoring charts last season.

"Then, the greatness of a player is measured by the titles he has helped his team conquer. Therefore, I have to recognize that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Leo Messi."

"When Messi is playing well, he can do things that no-one else can.

"I honestly understand why there are those who compare him to Maradona but I repeat: at least right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best. In the future... we will see."