Former Barcelona Defender Dani Alves Insists Messi Is in ‘Another World’ Compared to Long Time Rival Ronaldo

• Dani Alves has heaped glowing praises on former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, describing his talent as 'out of this world' as compared to Cristiano Ronaldo
• Despite confessing his admiration for Ronaldo's hard work, Alves believes Messi is in a class of his own when it comes to the greatest of all-time discussion
• The 39-year-old former Barcelona defender currently plays in the Mexican elite division with UNAM Pumas, where he has made 12 appearances in as many games played this season

Dani Alves has added more nuance to the Messi-Ronaldo GOAT debate, describing the former Barcelona captain as 'alien.'

The Messi-Ronaldo debate on who is the greatest footballer of all-time has seen both connoisseurs and football fans weigh in on the discussion with varying perspectives.

Ronaldo and Messi dominated European football for more than a decade, with the pair lifting a combined 12 Ballon d'Or awards over the course.

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The 39-year-old Alves, who played alongside Messi during their stint at Barcelona, reckons that Leo Messi is in a league of his own compared to his long-standing nemesis, Ronaldo.

"But how can I not respect a guy [Ronaldo] who has achieved everything based on hard work and putting his heart and soul into it?"

"He [Messi] was born with the talent to play football and to be in another world that only he can reach." Alves said on a podcast with UNAM Pumas team-mate Efrian Valverde via GOAL.

Barca legend Messi, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, has won the coveted diadem a record seven times, while Ronaldo, who is a bona fide Real Madrid legend, comes close with five to his credit.

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Dani Alves opens up on Ballon d'Or scuffle with Real Madrid legend Ronaldo

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Brazil and Barcelona great Dani Alves has shed light on a behind-the-scene scuffle he had with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of a Ballon d'Or Ceremony.

Alves, who made over 400 appearances for the Catalan giants across two spells, revealed that he was involved in a "tussle" with the then-Real Madrid superstar during his time at Barcelona.

Despite confessing his admiration for Ronaldo, the 39-year-old right-back disclosed the feud that ensued between himself and the Man United forward occurred at the height of the Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry.