Cristiano Ronaldo is the best of humans, but Lionel Messi is from another planet, says Gerard Pique

Pique was speaking in the aftermath of Saturday’s Clasico, when Ronaldo hit the winner for Real Madrid. However, Messi’s excellence this season alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar has helped Barca build a six point lead at the top of La Liga.

Speaking to BT Sport, Pique was asked about the merits of his current Barcelona team-mate compared to his former Manchester United colleague, and the centre-back was happy to compliment both.

"I think that they are both amazing," Pique said. "We are talking about two of the best players, not just in the world but the history of this sport.

"I always said that Messi has some talent that no one has. I mean, he has the ball and his speed controlling the ball. The ball doesn't go two meters far from his foot, it's always there. It's impossible to catch him, this talent I didn't see from anyone

"Cristiano Ronaldo is such a different player, they are very different. He is tall, strong, he's really complete. He can do anything. He can do goals with the head, free-kicks, penalties, take one-on-one.

"But for me it's like Messi is not human, but Cristiano is the best of the humans."