David Beckham is the latest legendary footballing figure to give his opinion on the never-ending Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate.
The two superstars are seen by many as the two greatest to have ever played the sport, with their goals and brilliance defining an entire era of the sport.
The pair also boast 11 Ballon d'Ors between them, with Messi collecting his sixth back in December to move one ahead of Ronaldo.
However, despite their relative parity in terms of goals and accolade, Beckham is a firm believer that Messi is the superior player of the two.
The former England captain has even boldly stated that Ronaldo is "not at the level" of his eternal enemy.
“He [Messi] is alone in his class as a player, it is impossible that there is another like him,” Beckham told Argentine outlet Telam, per Mirror.
“He, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not at his level, are both above the rest.”
Beckham then went on to recall his final on-pitch meeting with Messi. The Englishman's career was drawing to a close with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, but he was given minutes in a Champions League tie away at Barcelona.
“We were leading before Messi came in, and once he came in, Barcelona scored,” Beckham added, with PSG going on to lose at the Camp Nou.
“Although I enjoyed playing at that level at my age, I do not like to lose. Our team played well. In both matches, we did things we should be proud of.
“We didn't lose against Barcelona, and that is something that should motivate us.”
The current president of Inter Miami CF did at least celebrate the end of his glittering with career with a trophy as PSG secured the 2012/13 Ligue 1 title.
But Beckham knew his time at the top was over when he saw Messi dancing past him and there is absolutely no shame in that.