Sir Alex Ferguson: Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi

What you need to know:

The legendary United boss believes Messi is a Barcelona player, while Real's Ronaldo has the attributes to be at the top of the game for anybody

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo has the edge over Lionel Messi in the battle of the world's greatest footballers.

The Real Madrid superstar spent six seasons under Ferguson at Manchester United, helping the club to three Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy.

He has since taken his career to incredible levels at the Bernabeu as he tussles with Messi at the very top of the world game.

But Ferguson, speaking on the BBC's snooker coverage, has explained why he rates his former player as the greatest.

"Many people quite rightly say Messi and you cant dispute that opinion," he told former World Champion John Parrott.

"Ronaldo could play for Millwall, QPR, Doncaster Rovers, anyone, and score a hat-trick. I'm not sure Messi could do that.

"Ronaldo's got two feet, he's quick, great in the air and brave. I think Messi is a Barcelona player."

The Portuguese failed to find the target in Real's 4-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday as Carlo Ancelotti's men stayed second in La Liga.

That win took Los Blancos to 79 points, two behind Messi and Barcelona with five games remaining.