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Right-winger - Lionel Messi
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi is an obvious member of this XI.
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Like Xavi and Iniesta, Messi was a product of Barcelona's academy. A one-club man, the Argentina international is a world-class creator, dribbler and goalscorer, and it is hard to imagine where Barcelona would be without Messi's contributions this century.
The 33-year old, who has won four Champions League titles, could leave Barcelona this summer. Messi's contract with the club expires soon, although there have been suggestions that he would be willing to sign a new deal with his beloved club.
Centre-forward - Samuel Eto'o
One of the greatest strikers of all time, Samuel Eto'o is the frontman in the greatest UEFA Champions League XI of all time.
Having began his career wit Real Madrid, Eto'o made his name at Mallorca and joined Barcelona in 2004. The Cameroon international made 199 appearances in all competitions for the club. He scored 130 goals and won two Champions League titles with Barcelona, including the 2008-09 treble.
Eto'o moved to Inter Milan in 2009, where he won another treble. Thus he became the first player to win two consecutive trebles, and the fourth player to win two consecutive Champions Leagues trophies with different teams.
Eto'o enjoyed spells with Chelsea, Everton and Sampdoria among other clubs and retired in 2019.
Left-winger - Cristiano Ronaldo
Creating a greatest Champions League XI without including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is not possible.
The Portuguese superstar has represented some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. Ronaldo is Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer, while he is regarded as a Manchester United great by the Old Trafford faithful.
The 36-year old has won five Champions League titles. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo has been in the news recently. His stint with Juventus is not going to plan and he has been linked with a return to Manchester United.
Ronaldo is the leading goalscorer and the highest assist provider in the history of the Champions League.
Honorable Mentions: Steven Gerrard, Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Busquets, Victor Valdes, Edwin van der Sar, Karim Benzema
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