Xavi: Only people at Real Madrid really compare Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi says that Cristiano Ronaldo is an elite player but no-one should really be comparing him to Lionel Messi.

In an interview to Cadena SER, the former Barca midfielder once again reiterated that Messi was the best player in the world.

"Lionel's mental and physical speed is second to none, he is without doubt the best in the world," stated the 36-year-old, now playing for Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo

Image credit: Reuters

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"Only a fool could have played football and not recognise Cristiano as an elite footballer, but he just has had bad luck to be around at the same time as Leo.

"The only people who draw comparisons with the two are in Madrid."

Xavi also believed that there was much more to come from the Argentine, who he still described as having plenty of years left in his career.

"He is only a 29-year-old and that is very young in football," Xavi continued.

REAX MESSI

Image credit: Eurosport

"I did not win trophies at Barcelona and Spain until I was 28 - and Messi still makes a difference in four out of five games he plays."

Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football

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