Ronaldo: No doubt Messi is the best

Posted Sunday, July 08, 2012 by ESPN

Brazilian legend Ronaldo has stated that Barcelona's Lionel Messi faces no competition in being considered the best player in the world.

Both Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo have lit up the football world with their goal-scoring runs and stunning play, sparking intense debate as to which of the duo should be considered at the forefront of the sport. Though he has had spells with both the Catalan side and Real, Ronaldo did not allow club loyalties to get in the way of his judgment as he declared the Argentinean to be the more outstanding candidate.

"I am more a fan of Real Madrid, but there is no doubt that Messi is the best player in the world," Ronaldo said to Marca.

Ronaldo, who was once considered the best striker in the world, also gave his take on the supposedly fading role of the traditional number nine in modern football.

"Football has been changing. I think Spain did a great job without a No.9. I know Del Bosque very well. I had him as a coach at Real Madrid, and he always played me as a pure No.9," he shared.

"It depends on each game, the opponent and much more [as to what formation you play]. I think the No.9 will always exist and will continue to figure in the game."