Messi names his top five players in the world – without Ronaldo
Barcelona hero Lionel Messi, has excluded the name of Cristiano Ronaldo from his list of the best five players in the world.
Messi and Ronaldo have won six and five Ballon d’Or titles between them, with Luka Modric breaking their 10-year hold on the trophy back in 2018.
The 32-year-old told Spanish outlet Marca in 2019: ”It was nice to have Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga because of the prestige he gave him, although it was hard to see him raise titles.
“[But] excluding him and me, the best players in the world are (Kylian) Mbappe, Neymar, (Eden) Hazard, (Luis) Suarez and Kun [Sergio Aguero].”
Messi is on course to win La Liga title number 11 this season having scored 14 goals in his 16 league outings, with Ronaldo in similar form for Juventus.
The Portugal captain has managed 16 goals in his 17 Serie A appearances this term, and is on track to win a second league title in his third European league.
The 34-year-old told RMC Sport when asked about their rivalry: “I really admire the career he has had so far.
“He has already said that he had trouble when I left the Spanish league because it is a rivalry that he appreciates.
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“It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception.