Papin: Messi & Ronaldo are spectacular

Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2015 by Goal.com

The former Bayern Munich attacker believes no one will ever reach the heights of the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars again

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have reached heights that will never be repeated, according to former Ballon d'Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin.

The duo have been considered the two best players in the world for close to a decade, with the pair sharing the award Papin won in 1991 on the last seven occasions.

And the ex-France forward believes the pair are "spectacular" talents.

"They're unique," he told AS. "They are spectacular. They are destroying the striker's role."

The 51-year-old also believes Barcelona have what it takes to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final and go on to win the competition, as well as La Liga this term. Papin, however, feels Real Madrid have deteriorated since last term.

"I think Barca can win the Champions League and La Liga. They have three golden attackers. Luis Suarez was crazy in the first leg against PSG. In the first match he worked for the good of the team and within 20 minutes he won the game.

"Messi is on another level; if he does not want to play, he will walk, but if he is motivated, he flies.

"Madrid are not as strong as they were last season, really. They have great players, exceptional players, but it is harder for them to beat Barcelona."