Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when asked who the true GOAT is out of him and Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when asked who the true GOAT is as the Portuguese superstar weighed in on his rivalry with Lionel Messi.

Ahead of turning 40 on Wednesday, Ronaldo sat down with Edu Aguirre for an in-depth interview with the El Chiringuito de Jugones programme.

Ronaldo discussed a number of topics throughout the chat, including calling out a former manager for not having a "f**king clue about football" - a comment that many believe was about former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

He also aimed a brutal dig about Kylian Mbappe when discussing the Frenchman's start to life at Real Madrid and early difficulties adapting to a different position.

But of course Ronaldo also spent a good portion of the chat discussing the never-ending GOAT debate. Opinions on who is the better all-round player Ronaldo and Messi have been split amongst football fans and players.

Yet while Ronaldo acknowledged that people can prefer Messi, Diego Maradona or Pele, he is adamant that he has the edge in terms of being a complete footballer.

"I think I'm the most complete football player that has ever existed," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said.

"People could like Messi, Maradona or Pele, and I respect it, but I'm the most complete.

"I'm the best player in football history. I haven't seen anyone better than me in football history and I'm saying truth from my heart."

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he is the most complete player ever to play the game. Image: Getty

Messi and Ronaldo have shared the stage for nearly two decades and have 13 Ballon d'Ors between them, as well as dominating all host of individual awards and changing the game with their exploits on the pitch.

Yet even though the peak of their rivalry was during pulsating El Clasico affairs between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ronaldo stressed that there has always been a mutual respect between the pair of footballing titans.

"I've never had a bad relationship with Messi," he explained.

"We've shared 15 years of awards, and we've always gotten along well. I remember that I used to translate English for him, and it was very funny,"

"He defended his club and I mine, and his national team and I mine. I think we gave each other feedback. There were years when he wanted to play everything, and so did I. It was a healthy fight."

Ronaldo proceeded to reiterate that nobody is more complete than him in the game of football, pointing to his heading and free-kicks ability.

He added: "I think I'm the most complete player that has ever existed . I do everything in football. I play well with my head, I take good free kicks, I have a left foot, a right foot, I'm strong, I go out..."