Cristiano Ronaldo said he is "the most complete player to have existed," saying he respects fans who prefer Lionel Messi, Pelé or Diego Maradona, but arguing that statistics back up his claim. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner,

Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly claimed he is "the most complete player to have existed," acknowledging fans who prefer Lionel Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona but asserting that statistics validate his argument.

Cristiano Ronaldos extraordinary achievements have firmly established him in this elite conversation, alongside his long-time rival Lionel Messi, Argentine legend Diego Maradona, and Brazilian icon Pele.

The debate over who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football between Messi and Ronaldo has and will remain to be one of the most passionate.

Both athletes have competed against each other multiple times in both club and international matches. While Ronaldo has 915 career goals and 256 assists in 1,254 appearances, Messi has 850 goals and 379 assists in 1,083 appearances. However, Messi has more Ballon d'Or best player awards (eight) than Ronaldo (five).

Cristiano Ronaldo settled the best player debate between him and Lionel Messi while also admitting that there are those who prefer the Argentine.

While Ronaldo's staggering records speaks volume of his talent, his biggest contemporary Lionel Messi is regarded by many as better than the Portuguese. While the question still looms large among fans of both the players, Ronaldo in an interview with Spanish media outlet LaSexta TV claimed him as the "best player in football history".

Ronaldo expressed that while he respects opinions about preferring Messi, Pele, or Maradona, he believes it is a lie to say he isn't the most complete player. He confidently stated that he sees no one better than himself and truly believes that from the heart.

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when asked who the true GOAT is as the Portuguese superstar weighed in on his rivalry with Lionel Messi. Ahead of turning 40 on Wednesday, Ronaldo sat down with Edu Aguirre for an in-depth interview with the El Chiringuito de Jugones programme.

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken openly about the relationship he has with long-term contemporary Lionel Messi. Regarded as two of the best players in history, Ronaldo and Messi have 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them throughout their record-breaking careers - in addition to further individual and countless team honours across several top-five European divisions.