Who Were They Talking About: Cristiano Ronaldo Or Lionel Messi?

"For me, to watch him play is a pleasure – it’s an incredible pleasure."

"There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it's been a compliment to me."

"He is the best. The best in the world, yes. Probably the best ever. I saw Maradona a couple of times. I never saw Pele. But he is amazing."

"He is always going forwards. He never passes the ball backwards or sideways. He has only one idea, to run towards the goal. Just enjoy the show."

"For the world of football, he is a treasure. He will win the most Ballons d’Or in history. He is incomparable. He is in a different league."

"He does things I have never seen from any other player and it really is marvellous to watch. It takes a great player to make things happen like him."

"He is the best in Europe. I think at the moment no doubt he is the best player."

"The fella is a genius. Best ever by a distance in my lifetime. He plays a game with which we are not familiar."

"He has magic in his boots. He is incredibly quick. He believes he can do anything with the ball, and that confidence makes him very special indeed."

"He's quite clearly the best player ever. It’s a pleasure to pit myself against him and when I finish I know I tested myself against the best."

"For me he is the best player in the world. A machine. Incomparable."

"At the moment, there is no better player than him. He's a really nice guy."

"He is the best I’ve ever seen. I don’t dish out praise lightly but he deserves it. I look for weaknesses in his game and I can’t find them."

"He is a genius. He has everything. When I watch him, I see a player who is very, very, skilful, very clever."

"He is unique for his talent and professionalism – he is also extraordinarily consistent. He is an outstanding professional."

"The other day I saw one of his games. He was running with the ball at full speed. The ball was glued to his foot. It’s practically impossible."