10 legends who think Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer in history

#8 Ronaldinho | Barcelona legend

Barcelona v Celtic - UEFA Champions League

Both were international rivals, with Lionel Messi showing up for Argentina and Ronaldinho coming out for Brazil. But at club level they rejuvenated Barcelona together. While Ronaldinho was already an established playmaker with all the flair in the world, Messi was just getting his first chances in the first team.

But for a short time, the duo gelled on the pitch, showcasing some of the best football ever played to Barcelona's Blaugranes. Ronaldinho certainly wishes they played together more. He once said:

"Messi. I would have loved to continue playing alongside him. I didn't get enough time with him, he was very young. I'd love to take to the pitch with him one more time. He's the best in history, no doubt. Nobody has done what Messi's done. The other one [Ronaldo] is complete, he has it all. So does Messi, but it's a question of taste and I prefer Messi's style.”

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#7 Ronaldo Nazario | Real Madrid legend

The Best FIFA Football Awards - Green Carpet Arrivals

Before Cristiano Ronaldo's influence hit the world, Ronaldo Nazario was arguably the best striker La Liga had seen in recent years. The current Real Valladolid owner took over the domestic league by storm, averaging over a goal every two games.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo quickly surpassed his goalscoring record, the Brazilian believes Lionel Messi is a more complete player. He said:

“He (Messi) is out of this world. Cristiano, too, but I see Leo as more complete. He's great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.”

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#6 Wayne Rooney | Manchester United legend

FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2011

Like David Beckham, Wayne Rooney had a scintillating career at Old Trafford. The former Everton star and Cristiano Ronaldo were teammates during the Portuguese maestro's first stint at Manchester United. They formed a deadly duo in attack for the Red Devils.

Ronaldo's brilliance might have stunned the United faithful on more than one occasion. But that hasn't stopped Wayne Rooney from seeing Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer ever. He once mentioned:

“Messi. I think I've said this before, but they're both probably the best two players to ever play the game. I just think Messi is, in my eyes, the greatest ever."

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#5 Paul Scholes | Manchester United legend

Manchester United v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

The former Manchester United midfielder is another of Cristiano Ronaldo's team-mates who has sided with popular Cules belief that Lionel Messi is the greatest ever. The star may have been amazed by Ronaldo at Old Trafford. But perhaps their famous Champions League game against Barcelona in 2009 was enough to convince Paul Scholes.

Lionel Messi, to Scholes, has absolutely everything. He said:

“Messi [is the best] but Ronaldo is brilliant. Ronaldo is sensational at what he does, with pace and power. He scores, he takes free-kicks. But as an all-round footballer, Messi - wow, his passing - he has absolutely everything.”