Lionel Messi is one of the few footballers that can lay claim to being the greatest player of all time.

The Argentine has rewritten the record books during his illustrious career, making the difficult art of goal scoring look like a walk in the park.

There are a select few who have made finding the back of the net look effortlessly easy, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele two other members of a very prestigious group.

One other member that perhaps doesn't get the attention he deserves is Brazilian legend, Ronaldo Nazario.

Had it not been for serious knee injuries picked up at Inter Milan, Ronaldo would have been in serious contention to be labelled the GOAT.

But despite his unfortunate injury record, 'El Fenomeno' has a special place in many hearts, none more so than Messi's.

When asked about the best striker he had ever seen, the Argentine was quick to name the Brazilian icon over the likes of Cristiano, current teammate Luis Suarez and Thierry Henry.

"Ronaldo [Nazario] was a phenomenon, Of all the strikers I ever saw, he was the best," the Barcelona superstar said, per AS. "He was impressive."

Messi is not the first to recognise Ronaldo's greatness of late.

Jose Mourinho recently stated that he actually puts the Brazilian in a bracket above both Messi and his namesake, Cristiano.

The former Manchester United manager said: "If we are talking strictly about talent and skill, nobody surpasses Ronaldo [Nazario].

"Injuries killed a career that could have been even more incredible, but the talent that that 19-year-old boy had was something incredible."

When Messi and Mourinho are singing your praises in such a manner, you know you must have been a pretty special player.

The closest player to the Brazilian in terms of style right now is Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman possessing the unique mix of speed, power and skill.