Ronaldo vs Messi: Xavi’s reaction when Cristiano called himself the GOAT in 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are sadly edging ever closer to their end of their illustrious careers.

Ronaldo turns 38 in February, while Messi celebrated his 35th birthday in June.

Regardless of what happens between now and the days they retire, both superstars have secured their places on the pantheon of all-time greats alongside Pele and Diego Maradona.

Throughout his career, Manchester United’s Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to become the greatest footballer ever.

Messi, on the other hand, has always insisted that’s never been a personal objective for him. How people remember him is down to each individual.

In terms of Ballon d’Or awards, Messi leads the way with a record-breaking seven to his name.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has won two more Ballons d’Or since Ronaldo won the prestigious individual accolade for a fifth time in 2017.

After Ronaldo sealed the 2017 Ballon d’Or, the Portuguese forward raised eyebrows with some comments he made to France Football.

“I don’t see anyone better than me,” Ronaldo said at the time, per The Independent. “No player does things that I cannot do myself, but I see things others can’t do.

“There’s no more complete player than me. I’m the best player in history – in the good and the bad moments.”

Cristiano Ronaldo to @francefootball: “I don’t see anyone better than me. No player does things that I cannot do myself, but I see things others can’t do. There’s no more complete player than me. I’m the best player in history — in the good and the bad moments”