Barcelona attacker Luis Suarez has weighed in on the ‘Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?’ debate, and believes that his Barca team-mate was born world-class, whereas the current Ballon d’Or holder has had to work incredibly hard to reach the top level.
Ronaldo and Messi are the undisputed greatest two players in world football – having won the Ballon d’Or a staggering seven times between them – but many are torn over which of the duo deserves the recognition as being the very best.
READ MORE:
Lionel Messi’s best Champions League performances, including a four-goal haul against Arsenal
Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas will leave Real Madrid in the summer, says former goalkeeper
Suarez, however, feels the answer is simple.
The Uruguayan told football magazine Le Buteur, “Messi is a natural. It’s in his character,” as quoted by Goal.com.
“Messi is the best player in the world. He was born with his qualities,” he added.
“Ronaldo has progressed over the course of the years and has worked very hard to reach his current level.
“He was not at the same level when he first made his debut, though. That’s why I think Leo is the better of the two.”
The former Liverpool forward has been in stunning form in his first season at the Camp Nou – scoring 24 goals in all competitions – and, alongside Messi and Neymar, has formed perhaps the greatest attacking trio in football history.
Suarez will be in action on Tuesday night, as Barca take on German giants Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final. The tie is firmly in their hands having beaten their opponents 3-0 in the first-leg.