Who’s better: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Alex Ferguson settles the debate

Messi or Ronaldo.

It seems you can't suggest either without provoking outrage. That's strange because, no matter what you think, both will go down as two of the greatest footballers of all time. So, to say one of the best players ever is slightly better than another one of the best players ever shouldn't be met with such disdain. But it always is of course. Alex Ferguson isn't exactly impartial. Okay, he might be as distinguished a football manager as they come, he might've brought up the best, and he's even faced off with both players on the biggest stage as an opponent. But Cristiano Ronaldo led him to his second Champions League success. The Portuguese star was nurtured into the finest footballer on the planet under the wing of Fergie and they spent six years together towards the end of the Scot's reign. The former United boss is naturally going to have an inclination towards his old player but he doesn't bring likability or personal relationships into his analysis of the two. For Ferguson, what Ronaldo can bring to a team is more than what Messi can.

"It’s interesting to me that we hear so much about two players these days: Ronaldo and Messi," Ferguson spoke in the Convention Centre in Dublin during An Evening With Rory McIlroy. "Now don’t get me wrong, Messi is a fantastic player, it’s like he’s wearing slippers when he controls the ball. But here, for me, is the difference. Messi is a Barcelona player. "But Ronaldo could play for Stockport County and score a hat-trick. He has everything. He can shoot with both feet, head the ball, he’s as brave as a lion, and has a physique like... [like Jimmy Nesbitt, suggested James Nesbitt]. "Here’s something else people overlook: During my time at Manchester United I was lucky enough to have a lot of people who put in countless extra hours to get better. Gary Neville turned himself from an average footballer into a wonderful one because of his work ethic, as did David Beckham. But Ronaldo used to completely exhaust himself, and still does. He just wanted to be the best in the world."

Fergie went on to talk about the way Ronaldo lives, how his home is designed for the best player in the world. He explained how the Real Madrid man had a cold pool and a warm pool for after games, weights areas, everything needed to get the best out of himself. He did alright. That was before the 26-year United servant told his lovely story about John O'Shea. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/732864171600171008