Ronaldinho: Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi? I choose Messi

The great debate in football of recent years has been who is the world's greatest player: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho had the question put to him, and sided with the Argentine, albeit marginally.

"The two [Messi and Ronaldo] are both great," Ronaldinho said during an interview in Costa Rica.

"But I have to choose Messi because he is my friend."

The former Brazil international also discussed the future of his compatriot, Neymar, who looks set to leave LaLiga in favour of one of Ronaldinho's other old teams, Paris Saint-Germain.

"If it was me I would do what I have always done," he said.

"You have to follow your heart and go where you feel is right and where you will be happy."