RONALDHINO STILL THE BEST

Brazil legend Ronaldo: Messi is the best player in the world

The former Ballon d'Or has had his say on who is the finest footballer on the planet, and also commented on Spain's Euro 2012 triumph

Brazil legend Ronaldo has claimed that there is 'no doubt' that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.

The 35-year-old enjoyed stints at both Camp Nou, and at Real Madrid, and although he admits that he remembers his time at the Bernabeu more fondly, he cannot help but admire the Argentine.

"I am more a fan of Real Madrid," he told Marca. "But there is no doubt that Messi is the best player in the world."

The Brazilian went on to praise Spain's footballing approach at Euro 2012, and commended his former coach Vicente del Bosque on his use of the 'false nine' during La Roja's tournament victory.

"Football has been changing. I think Spain did a great job without a No.9. I know Del Bosque very well. I had him as a coach at Real Madrid, and he always played me as a pure No.9.

"It depends on each game, the opponent and much more [as to what formation you play]. I think the No.9 will always exist and will continue to figure in the game."

Ronaldo represented Barcelona betweet 1996 and 1997, and after a five-year stint in Italy with Inter, returned to La Liga and made over 200 appearances for Los Blancos before leaving the club in 2007

Valdes: Ronaldinho is the biggest talent I have seen

The Spanish custodian was lost for words about the Brazilian attacker and hinted that he sees the 32-year-old as a better player than Messi

The 32-year-old attacker, currently on the books of Atletico Mineiro, signed for Barca in 2003 and led the Blaugrana to two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice and the Ballon d'Or once in the process.Lionel Messi has frequently been described as the best player of his generation and one of the best in the history of football, but Valdes has seemingly rated Ronaldinho higher than the Argentine.

"I have always said that 'Rony' changed the club's history when he played at Barca," he toldTerra TV. "He was the leader of that team which changed [our] history. "We had not won any title for many years. He arrived and powered Barcelona to become a club known worldwide. And that alone is a reason to thank him. I would say he is the biggest talent I have seen in the dressing room. He was always doing new things."

Ronaldinho, who quit Barca in 2008 to purse his career at AC Milan, signed for Atletico Mineiro last month after rescinding his contract with Flamengo following a dispute over unpaid wages.

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