BARCELONA icon Gerard Pique has revealed why he believes Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.
The 37-year-old spent 13 years playing alongside Messi for Barcelona.
Before going pro, the pair had also grown up together at Barcelona's world-renowned La Maisa academy.
Both players were crucial elements of a golden generation for the Spanish giants, winning four Champions League titles and nine La Liga titles together.
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But before he moved to the Nou Camp, Pique enjoyed a four-year spell at Manchester United.
During his time at Old Trafford, the Spaniard played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having been one of the few people to line up alongside both players, Pique has now weighed in on who he believes is better.
And speaking to Sky Sports, he claimed Messi has always been "different" from any other star.
The former defender said: "Leo Messi, I think, was another thing. Totally different from the rest.
"It's true that in the games I can watch and see what he does. But in training sometimes I had to suffer him!
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"It wasn't good, I tell you! You had to run!
"But I think that he was totally different from the rest I've seen.
"I had the opportunity to share a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, at Manchester United.
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"He was also very very good. I mean, top level. He demonstrated in his whole career that he competed with Leo, related to the Ballon d'Or and all the trophies he won.
"But I think that Leo was something different."
The likes of Angel Di Maria, Henrik Larsson and Ezequiel Garay have also previously claimed that Messi is the best in the world.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo has praised the mentality of both players.
Messi currently stars for MLS side Inter Miami.
The Argentina legend joined the club on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and has since scored 16 goals in 19 appearances.
Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January 2023 and has since made 52 appearances, scoring 44 goals and providing 13 assists.
