Bernardo Silva Gives His Take On The Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo Debate

Bernardo Silva gave his take on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate but didn't give a definitive question to the age-old question.

The Manchester City midfielder has had the pleasure of playing with Ronaldo for the Portugal national team but as a nifty left-footed attacking player he also appreciates the genius of Messi.

And when asked for who he prefers, the former Monaco man refused to budge and instead said we should feel blessed to of have lived in an era where we get to see these two titans do their thing.

"It's a debate that's not debatable," he told BBC Sport.

"I think we need to feel privileged to be able to watch them at the same time together. They are two of the best players ever - if not the two best players ever."

Image: PA

At the same time though, Silva will forever be grateful he got to play with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo and the fact he provided him with some assists.

"It will be something special and unique to tell my kids and grandkids I was able to give him some assists," Silva added.

"He's an example on and off the pitch. With Portugal, we train in the morning. In the afternoon everyone plays cards or PlayStation, but he goes to the gym.

"In the big moments, when you need him the most, he's always there."

Image: PA

A SciSports study in collaboration with Universidad Catolica in Belgium could finally end the Messi-Ronaldo debate, with their findings uncovering that Messi was performing at twice the level of Ronaldo between 2013 and 2018, when the two were going head-to-head in La Liga.

The research values a player based on their goals and assists in that period and despite Ronaldo's slew of trophies, Messi earned 1.21 on the test, while Ronaldo scored just 0.61.

Professor Jesse Davies delved into the numbers and explained: "A goal is a rare event, however, because an average of 1,600 actions are estimated to occur in a match. Our model looks at each action - shots, passes, dribbles, tackles - and calculates its value."

Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Lionel Messi, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_