'Emotionless alien' Lionel Messi slammed as Paolo Di Canio sides with Cristiano Ronaldo in debate

Lionel Messi has been branded an “alien without emotions” by Paolo Di Canio, who insists Cristiano Ronaldo is the better player.

The Manchester United superstar has of course been in direct competition with Messi for over a decade, with the pair part of a constant debate over who is the greater player. Both players regularly went head to head during their time in Spain, although both have now left Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Having made their exits from La Liga though, they have endured differing fortunes this season. While Ronaldo has continued his remarkable scoring feats at Old Trafford, Messi has struggled since joining Paris Saint-Germain.

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It’s been a particularly tough week for the Argentine, with his side going out of the Champions League after throwing away a 2-0 lead over Real before he became the subject of endless booing from supporters against Bordeaux on Sunday. Ronaldo, on the other hand, made a spectacular return to the United side with a hat-trick against Tottenham on Saturday.

And to make matters worse for Messi, he’s been well and truly slammed by former West Ham striker Di Canio. The 53-year-old tore into the former Barcelona star for his attitude on the pitch, while praising Ronaldo for his behaviour.

"Messi left the pitch scratching his head, he has no emotions," Di Canio told Sky Sport Italia. "I prefer Cristiano Ronaldo. ‘Do you want me to sit on the bench against Man City?’

“I go back to Portugal, then I return and score a hat-trick. I prefer the human who has a soul to the alien without emotions."

Messi was defended by his manager Mauricio Pochettino after being booed by