Ronaldo admits Messi is world’s best

Brazil legend Ronaldo says Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is just ahead of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has joined the debate over who is the better player out of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian legend was speaking to CNN World Sport when he claimed that Barça star Messi was the superior of the two, though he admitted there was not a lot between the Argentine and Real Madrid’s Ronaldo.

“Messi is a little above Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the 35-year-old.

“I give preference to Messi, because he's a player who fascinates us more, who shows more creativity - even though he's from Argentina, which has a big rivalry with Brazil!”

Like Messi, Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or on three separate occasions during a career that saw him wow fans of both the rival La Liga giants and both Milan clubs in Italy.

There were not many debates over who the best in the world was in Ronaldo’s day, as he was easily the most feared striker on the plant in his pomp, though he could have been greater had he not been dogged by chronic knee injuries.

The Brazil legend, who retired in February last year after some time with Corinthians, still holds the record for most goals scored in World Cup tournaments, with 15 strikes between 1998 and 2006.

Here is a little reminder as to why he was so highly regarded…

Primera Liga round-up

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So brilliant has Robin van Persie been for Arsenal this season that the only way Ferguson can see Rooney beating him to the individual award is if his phenomenal scoring run continues until the last game.

“He can only do that if he keeps scoring right up to the end,” Ferguson said.

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That is the sum United would have to pay Rovers as part of the 'add-ons' involved in defender Phil Jones's move from Ewood Park to Old Trafford last summer.

PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Tottenham v Swansea - the action from White Hart Lane as it happens

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League as Tottenham host Swansea at White Hart Lane to conclude Sunday's action. Spurs haven't won in their last five league games and will be looking to defeat the Swans to try and boost their hopes of sealing a Champions League spot.

 

***Follow live coverage from 3.40pm***

Going for goal: Emmanuel Adebayor (right) will hope to help kick-start Tottenham's season