Lionel Messi has delivered his verdict on who is the greatest striker to ever grace the game.
The Barcelona superstar has been locked in a titanic battle with Juventus rival Cristiano Ronaldo over the years to be considered the best player in the world.
But it is the other Ronaldo who Messi believes is the deadliest marksman in history.
The former Brazil hotshot won a string of honours including two World Cups and two Ballon d’Ors during a career which saw him score 414 goals in 616 appearances for club and country.
Messi told TyC Sports : “Ronaldo [Nazario] was a phenomenon.
“Of all the strikers I ever saw, he was the best. He was unbelievable.”
Messi has played with a host of brilliant forwards during his time at Barcelona including Neymar and Luis Suarez .
The Argentine rose through the ranks when Ronaldinho was in his pomp at the Nou Camp but regrets how few games he played alongside the Brazilian, who left for AC Milan in 2008.
He said: “ Ronaldinho helped me a lot. I came into the dressing room at 16-17 years of age, seeing all those footballing giants made it tough.
“But he mentored me and made me feel comfortable, and I loosened up.
“Afterwards on the pitch, I always looked for him but we didn't have many years to enjoy together.
“Besides, we didn't play as much at that time. I would have liked to play more with Ronaldinho.”
Messi’s attacking sidekick since 2014 has been ex-Liverpool star Suarez.
The pair enjoy an almost-telepathic partnership and, as a result, have becomes best buds off the pitch.
“Playing every three days, you get used to each other and play by heart,” he said.
“We have children of the same age, spend our lives together every day, and the relationship is growing ever stronger.”
