"I'm the best player in history, in the good moments and the bad ones. I respect everyone's preferences, but I've never seen anyone better than me."

In typical fashion, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled no punches in the days that followed his Ballon d'Or triumph over Lionel Messi back in December.

Speaking to France Football, who are responsible for the award, the Portuguese made the controversial claim that he is the greatest player football has ever seen.

It was a declaration that sparked a lot of debate at the time, with many arguing that Messi, Pele or Diego Maradona are actually the best.

"I have always thought that," added Ronaldo. "No footballer can do the things I can. There's no player more complete than me.

"I play well with both feet, I'm quick, powerful, good with the head, I score goals, I make assists. There are guys who prefer Neymar or Messi. But I tell you: there's no-one more complete than me.

"No one has won as many individual trophies as me. And I'm not speaking just of the Ballon d'Or. That says something, doesn't it?"

RONALDO: I'M NUMBER ONE

Ronaldo has always strived to be the best and credit where it's due to the 33-year-old, what he's achieved throughout his career is staggering.

But his ego has always been a problem for some football fans and many believe that's what lets him down.

Whereas Ronaldo has never kept it a secret that he thinks he's the best, Messi has always been modest and refused to venture into the discussion.

And if further evidence was needed of just how humble the Argentine is, then what he said in a latest interview with Tyc Sports provides it.

Now that the 2017/18 season is pretty much over, Messi was inevitably asked whether he thinks he's the greatest ever - and his response just sums him up.

"I'm not interested in being the best in history," he said, per Goal. "I have never suggested that: not being the first, nor the second, third or fourth.

"Every time I start a season I try to improve myself, win everything, leave everything every time I go out to the pitch, give the maximum for my teammates and for myself.

"It does not change anything to be the best in history."

That right there is what really separates Messi from Ronaldo. He doesn't care whether he's the best, he just wants to give his all and be as successful as he can with his teammates.