Lionel Messi has opted against Cristiano Ronaldo when naming the greatest striker he has seen throughout his career.
Messi scored twice for Argentina as they comfortably beat Venezuela 3-0 in their CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match on Friday.
Despite his continued output and class on the field, the 38-year-old claimed that he will likely retire from international football before next year's world cup.
"Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don't think I'll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it," he said following full-time.
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The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner stressed that it would be a decision he would take lightly, and it is unclear if this would be a full retirement if he would simply hang up his international boots.
Messi made his senior debut back in 2004, and has played at the highest level every year since to date, playing against some of the best players from multiple eras in the process alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking back in 2019, Messi was quizzed on the best striker he ever saw in the flesh, and rather surprisingly snubbed his Portuguese rival for Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
“Ronaldo Nazario was a phenomenon,” Messi said. "Of all the strikers I have seen, for me he was the best. An impressive player from any aspect.”
The former Barcelona star also paid tribute to Ronaldinho for his guidance during his early days at the Catalan club.
“He helped me a lot. I came into the dressing room at 16-years-old. Doing so and seeing all these greats was difficult. He took me under his wing, he made me feel comfortable, so that I let go.
“On the pitch I was always looking for him. We played for a few years together. In this era I didn't play much. I would have liked to play a lot more with him," he added.
Lionel Messi praises Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry
It is plausible that Messi was not classing Cristiano as an out-and-out striker with his answer, due to the majority of his career being played off the left.
Messi has also previously removed Ronaldo alongside himself when asking similar questions, out of respect for what they have done for the game.
Earlier in the year in a rare interview, Messi opened up on his career long battle with the 40-year-old.
“It was always a battle, so to speak . In terms of sport, a very nice one," Messi explained via AS in May.
"I think we mutually fed off each other because I think we are both very competitive and he also always wanted to win everything and anything.
"I think what we did for so long is very meritorious, because as they say, it's easy to get there, the hard part is staying there, and we stayed at the top for 10-15 years.
He added: "It was spectacular and a nice memory for everyone who enjoys football."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, Football, Ballon d'Or, Argentina
Tom Jenkins