The Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate has raged on for more than a decade - and it will rumble on long after they retire.

Who is the greatest of all time?

If you’re looking at Ballon d’Or triumphs, Messi leads 6-5.

But those arguing that Ronaldo is superior will point to the fact he has won trophies in Portugal, England, Spain and Italy, whereas Messi has remained in Barcelona for his entire career.

As the hypothetical question goes: Could Messi do it on a cold, wet night in Stoke?

Of course, he could.

In 34 games against English sides, Messi has scored 26 goals and produced six assists.

Considering the Argentine is only facing the very best English sides in the latter stages of the Champions League, we reckon he’d be absolutely fine against teams in the lower reaches of the league.

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And a video shows just how good he copes against English sides.

Dugout have released a video of Messi playing against Premier League opposition - and he makes it look very easy indeed.

Messi has faced Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester and Tottenham in Europe.

His record against the Gunners is impressive - scoring nine goals in six appearances including a four-goal haul in 2010.

He finds it tougher against Chelsea with three goals in his 10 matches against them, while he’s got two in four against Liverpool.

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He’s played both Manchester clubs in six occasions - scoring six against City and four against United - including two in two separate finals.

Then, last season, he faced Tottenham on two occasions and bagged two goals.

Conclusion: Messi could definitely do the business in England.

If you don’t believe us, just ask Cesc Fabregas who had the pleasure of playing against Messi at Barcelona.

"Without a doubt, he would still be the best [player in England]," Fabregas has said previously.

We’re with you on that one, Cesc.