Messi picks Ronaldo for player gongs
November 19th 2008 22:50
Lionel Messi has declared that Cristiano Ronaldo is the 'best in the world'. The Barcelona midfielder showed his humility and says the Portuguese player deserves the Balon De Or.
Distancing himself from all the merits and accolades he has achieved in the lead up to this years Balon De Or and FIFA player awards, Messi cast his opinion on who he thinks should win some of football's best individual honours.
Messi gave special mention to just one player - Cristiano Ronaldo, who is his direct rival for the Balon De Or and FIFA awards this year.
"He is the best player in the world. When one plays with him, everything seems a lot easier to do," Messi said.
Regardless of his comments however, Messi still has fans who have different thoughts on the matter. Fans like Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
"Cristiano is a grand player but Lionel is above them all," he said.
The Balon De Or and FIFA player awards will be announced in the month of December, with both Messi and Ronaldo widely tipped to dominate voting.
But if one was to analysis the chances of both Messi and Ronaldo, it seems the Manchester United star has the inside running.
Ronaldo led United to a Premier League and Champions League title last season while Messi did not win any tournaments.
However, in United's Champions league semi-final last season against Barcelona, Messi was considered man of the match in both legs, outplaying his Portuguese counterpart despite losing the tie.
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