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Ammon News - Manchester City star Erling Haaland has given his opinion on the ongoing debate deciding the best player between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, after declaring one to be the 'best that has ever played'.

The debate has been running since they first burst onto the scene as talented youngsters over a decade ago.

Both Messi and Ronaldo have competed for both team and individual honours with their sides regularly going head-to-head over the years.

Haaland is among the new crop of global stars as Messi and Ronaldo's careers wind down in the United States and Saudi Arabia respectively.

The Man City star played a key role in the club's Treble last season, scoring 52 goals in 53 matches last season.

Despite his individual haul and success with Man City, Haaland still missed out on winning the Ballon d'Or and Best FIFA Men's Player award to Messi.

Haaland was asked whether Messi would need retire for him to scoop the honours.

'Couldn’t have really gone any better for you in your first year here. And yet you missed out to Messi on the two big individual prizes,' Haaland was asked.

'For you to actually win those, does he have to retire?'

Haaland responded: 'I don’t know, good question.'

'Yeah, it’s true he won it and he won the World Cup so I don’t know what to say.

'He is the best that has ever played I think so yeah, I don’t know.'

Haaland had narrowly been edged out by Messi for the Best FIFA prize in January, after both received 48 points after votes were tallied.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, ultimately secured the award for a record third time after receiving the most first-choice nominations from national team captains.

His long-time rival Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or on five occasions, as well as two Best FIFA men's player awards.

Haaland, who won the 2023 Gerd Muller Trophy awarded to the best striker of the year, could further boost his claim for the individual honours if Man City enjoy further success.

The Champions League holders set to continue their title defence with the second leg of their last-16 match against Copenhagen on Thursday.

Pep Guardiola's side have a 3-1 advantage from the first leg.

Daily Mail