Lionel Messi deserved the Ballon d'Or this year but is NOT the best ever, claims Rivaldo whose put forward a name to be considered as the footballing GOAT.
Messi beat Robert Lewandowski to win his record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or award on Monday.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar narrowly edged out the Bayern Munich man, earning 33 more points than his counterpart.
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His win has been subjected to scrutiny, with fans and critics alike slamming Ballon d'Or's contentious decision.
But Brazil legend Rivaldo believes the right man is in possession of the coveted individual title.
However, the World Cup winner says Messi shouldn't be considered the best ever as he reckons Pele is the greatest footballer.
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He told betfair: "He [Messi] deserved the award based on his performances for Argentina as they won the Copa America - a trophy they have coveted for many years - and he was the best player of the tournament.
"There will always be arguments about the Ballon d'Or, as there are so many voters from all over the world and there is so much footballing talent around.
"I could have made the case for Karim Benzema, along with Lewandowski and Messi, but in the end the award must go to one player.
"It's possible the Argentinian's amazing career also had some influence on those voters who were wavering."
Rivaldo added: "He will be remembered as one of the best players ever, but it's tough to say he already is the best, as he is still chasing a World Cup title with Argentina.
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"Other players, such as Pele, won the World Cup many times so I don't think Messi should be considered the best ever.
"He is up there, though, and would make the top three."
Pele has not one but THREE World Cup triumphs to his name while Messi only won his first major international trophy last summer.
Though the Argentine's club career speaks for itself, bagging countless trophies during his ultra-successful spell at Barcelona.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Rivaldo, Lionel Messi, Pele