Messi does more things compared to Cristiano': Xavi was furious when Cristiano Ronaldo declared himself as the GOAT

Cristiano Ronaldo once boasted of being the best footballer in the world ever. That was after the crowning moment when the Portuguese was handed his fifth Ballon d'Or title.

"I don't see anyone better than me. No player does things that I cannot do myself, but I see things others can't do," Ronaldo told France Football.

"There's no more complete player than me. "I'm the best player in history - in the good and the bad moments," the striker added.

Well, current Barca manager Xavi did not agree with Ronaldo's self-assessment. For Xavi, Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in football.

"Messi does more things compared to Cristiano," Xavi told Catanlunya Radio.

"If Cristiano considers himself the best player in history, that's fine, but those of us who see him train, there is no comparison.

"Messi is the best in history, and we don't see it any other way.

"I imagine all of the managers in the world going out to stop Messi," Xavi continued.

"Even if you do what Athletic Club did, man-mark him like in the Copa del Rey final, they still come out on top. He can't be defended against.

"Messi is the difference-maker and we always tried to give the ball to him in space with time to unbalance them.

"Messi is the player that makes the most difference in the world. It's more than obvious," Xavi concluded.

Xavi may have a stronger point than Ronaldo. Messi has gone on to win seven Ballon d'Or awards. A feat unmatched by any footballer ever.