DAVID BECKHAM has delivered his take on the Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi debate.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United when David Beckham left for Real Madrid in 2003
The 41-year-old's comments, reported by the Bleacher Report, come in the wake of his former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson having his say last weekend.
The Scot, who managed Ronaldo during the Real Madrid star's time at Old Trafford, pinned his colours firmly to the mast, saying: "I think Messi is a Barcelona player but Ronaldo could be playing for Stockport County and he would score a hat-trick.
"He is brilliant in the air and he has two feet."
But Beckham wasn't so keen to single out either player as better than the other.
"That debate doesn't make much sense to me," said the ex-England captain
They're both unique, a bit like Zidane in his day, once in a generation players.
"We'll remember having Messi and Cristiano together, at the same time!
"Nobody has got to that level and stayed there for so long."
Ronaldo and Messi have shared the last eight Ballon d'Or awards - with the Argentinian edging ahead of his La Liga with five of those.
The Barcelona talisman has continued his exploits as part of the Catalan giants' famed MSN trio which has plundered 130 goals this season, playing a crucial role in the La Liga title heading back to the Nou Camp for the second successive year.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has netted 51 goals in all competitions and has the chance to fire Zinedine Zidane's side to their second Champions League triumph in three years when they face city rivals Atletico on May 28.