Lionel Messi is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, says Brazil legend Pele

Pele believes Messi is better than Ronaldo, but not as good as him

Brazilian legend Pele believes Lionel Messi is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, and that he has been "the most consistent player in the world for the last 10 years."

He said that the Argentinean number 10 is at a level higher than all the other players out there currently, despite Cristiano Ronaldo having won the Ballon d’Or the last couple of years (ironically Pele presented Ronaldo with the award in 2014).

"Lionel Messi has been the most consistent player in the last 10 years. I actually think it is a bit unfair when people ask me to compare him to Cristiano as they are different kind of players.”

“Cristiano reminds me of the Brazilian Ronaldo and I was really happy to present him with the Ballon d'Or in 2014. But Messi is above him in overall terms," Pele said.

Messi is almost as good as me: Pele

However, as is his wont, he also went on to say something predictable and typical, when he was asked to compare Messi with himself. The Brazilian World Cup winner said, "He's almost as good as me. I could head the ball better and could also kick with both feet while Messi tends to rely upon his left foot a bit more often."

Pele will be attending the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, and said that he thinks that the Merseyside club could emerge as victors from the match.

He also spoke about Philippe Coutinho, who has been instrumental for Liverpool and said, "He's been playing well and could help Liverpool even more this season. Brazilian players can still make the difference individually."