Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when naming the best player he's seen live

Cristiano Ronaldo has named the best player he's ever seen live, although he would rather have selected himself - that's according to Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo, 39, is widely viewed as one of the greatest footballers in history and recently reached the 900-goal mark in the professional game.

He reached that landmark figure with the second goal in Portugal's 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

Never one to stand still, Ronaldo has already expressed a desire to reach the 1000-goal mark before he finally retires.

For many, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is the greatest player the game has ever seen.

He has won five Ballon d'Or trophies, bettered only by his great rival Lionel Messi – who has won football's top individual prize a record eight times.

Speaking back in 2022, TV presenter and journalist Morgan said Ronaldo had told him during a private conversation that Messi was the greatest player he had witnessed – although he stopped short of admitting the Argentinian was better than himself.

"I had a very interesting conversation with Cristiano, we had dinner after I first interviewed him three years ago, it was a really great conversation and I really like him as a person," Morgan said on talkSPORT.

"He was incredibly respectful about Messi and I said to him, 'Who's the best player you've ever seen?'

"He said, 'Messi, but you're asking the wrong question, you're not asking me who is the best player…', because, of course, he has never seen himself play live.

"So, that made me laugh.

"But then he talked about the pair of them and the difference between them and a lot of the other greats, like R9 Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, George Best, Paul Gascoigne, he said the difference is the longevity he and Messi have had.

"Messi and Ronaldo have had 18 or 19 years at the very top of their game, and that's testament to their extraordinary dedication, their remarkable physical fitness and their rivalry, which has without any question driven the other to ever greater heights.

Cristiano Ronaldo named Lionel Messi as the greatest player he had witnessed live (Image: Getty)

"I think it's been one of the great rivalries of any sport ever, so we're very lucky to have them."

Speaking earlier this month, Ronaldo insisted he had no plans to retire from international football.

The Portuguese great already holds the record for the most caps and goals of any player in men's internationals, scoring 131 times in 213 games.

"When the time comes, I'll move on," he said. "It won't be a difficult decision to make.

"If I feel like I'm no longer contributing anything, I'll be the first to leave.

"Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter."

Ronaldo could add to his impressive goals tally when Portugal take on Scotland in the Nations League on Sunday night.