Brazil legend Pele has claimed Barcelona star Lionel Messi just edges Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to the finest player of this generation.

The former forward, considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, stated that over the course of the last decade, there has been no finer footballer in the world than Messi, per the Press Trust of India (h/t sports.ndtv.com): "It's very difficult to make a comparison of players of different generations. But in last 10 years Messi was the best. Ronaldo plays forward and tries to score, while Messi plays with a different style. In my team I would love to have both... We have Neymar who also has good future."

FABRICE COFFRINI/Getty Images

It’s a longstanding debate which Pele is better equipped to offer an assessment on than most. The Brazil icon is the only player ever to have won the World Cup on three separate occasions and was one of the greatest goalscorers to have ever kicked a ball.

In some respects, it’s a little surprising the great man doesn’t prefer Ronaldo. The Portuguese, like Pele, is a thoroughbred goalscorer and a player who lives to stick the ball in the back of the net.

Recently, Ronaldo notched the 501st goal of his distinguished career, but at the moment, he is struggling to score, per OptaJose:

OptaJose @OptaJose 4 - Cristiano Ronaldo has gone four league games in a row without scoring, his joint-worst run for Real Madrid. Drought.

Still, in front of goal, the Portuguese can do it all. Whether it’s his right foot, his left foot or in the air, Ronaldo scarcely spurns clear-cut opportunities, and like Pele, he can find the target from a variety of distances and angles.

Ronaldo, like Pele, lives for goals.JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/Getty Images

Messi is different, of course. He’s a player that’s much more cerebral in his style, dropping into pockets, gliding past defenders and prompting clever linkup play with team-mates. But the end result, as is the case with Ronaldo, is a lot of goals and assists.

As we can see here, courtesy of barcastat (h/t barcastuff) in terms of overall contributions to goals, Messi does have the edge over the Portuguese:

The next phase of both players’ respective careers will be highly interesting. Neither are quite as dynamic as they were in their younger days, and already, we’ve started seeing Messi and Ronaldo adapting their playing style, with the former as more of a midfielder and the latter as more of a No. 9.

Messi and Ronaldo are both beginning to adapt their game.LLUIS GENE/Getty Images

What will be critical for the pair is to continue affecting big matches at precarious points. As noted by Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, at the moment, that’s not something Ronaldo is doing:

Guillem Balague @GuillemBalague Ronaldo keeps struggling in big games as he has done for over a year now. Benzema keeps growing but Real have lost the ball in this 2nd half

Ultimately, that’s what is likely to set Messi aside from Ronaldo. The Barcelona man has helped his team to more major honours down the years, and while that can be attributed to a tremendous supporting cast, with the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Messi has made decisive impacts in the overwhelming majority of the Blaugrana’s big games.

There’s still time for Ronaldo to make amends in that sense, and playing in a more advanced role should give him more opportunities to conjure decisive moments. But while Messi and Barcelona remain at the peak of their powers, Ronaldo and Real will rarely have things their own way when it comes to domestic and European titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated football for years now, and possess nine Champions League trophies between them. But while the legendary duo have captured everyone's attention, there are several other celebrated players that have also left quite an impression on fans during the last decade.

Here is a look at the top 10 footballers from the last 10 years:

10 Robert Lewandowski

It's fair to say that Robert Lewandowski could thrive in any team. The Polish striker is the perfect balance of speed, power, and technique. At 32, it seems as though Lewandowski is ageing like fine wine. He was, by far, the best player during the 2019/2020 season of Bundesliga.

Lewandowski scored 34 goals in 31 matches in Bundesliga and a total of 55 goals during the season. This resulted in Lewandowski being awarded the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award. His 416 career goals is testimony to what a great player he is.

9 Neymar Jr

A global icon and one of the most recognisable player in the world, Neymar Jr was once anticipated to become even bigger than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luck hasn't been in his favor ever since he left Barcelona in 2017 to join PSG for $263 Million.

He hasn't been able to live up to expectations post his transfer due to injuries. Winning a Ballon d'Or can help go down in history as one of 'The Greats' provided he can avoid injuries in the next couple of years and stay in form.

8 Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale rose to fame when he scored an incredible hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League back in 2010. In 2013 he became the most expensive player in the world after joining Real Madrid for £85 million. At Real Madrid, he has had to battle injuries as well as a lot of criticism; nevertheless, a personal haul of 4 Champions League titles left everyone speechless. He created quite a stir with a stunning bicycle kick against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League which led to their win. He is now back at Tottenham Hostpur on a season-long loan from Real Madrid after having a fall out with Zinedine Zidane.

7 Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez has had an amazing career. He's scored 405 goals and has picked up a whopping 236 assists in 615 games. The Uruguayan has carried many trophies during his career including the Champions League trophy back in 2015 and four La Liga titles. Having recently joined Atletico Madrid after Barcelona, he's optimistic about adding more goals to his impressive tally.

6 Dani Alves

Dani Alves over the past decade has won over 25 titles. The-37-year old player currently plays for Sao Paulo Alves and is still a part of Brazil's national team. He is a footballer who will be remembered for years to come.

5 Xavi

It seems impossible that Xavi has never won a Ballon d'Or; nonetheless, three podium finishes are commendable. He played a total of 857 games and has proven himself time and time again on the field. It would be unlikely that we will ever see a player like Xavi again.

4 Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos might be regarded as an unexpected addition especially this far down the list. However, he really does deserve a spot. Real Madrid has won 4 Champions League titles, 5 La Ligas, the UEFA EURO 2008, 2012 and the 2010 World Cup thanks to Ramos. The centre-back has had an unbelievable career and has led Real Madrid by example like a true leader.

3 Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is by far the best midfielder to ever play football in the last decade. During his tenure, he has helped Barcelona conquer all whom they played against. He is also the man responsible for helping Spain win the European Championships - twice! An incredible player in his prime.

2 Lionel Messi

A hard decision putting Lionel Messi before Cristiano Ronaldo. Viewed by many as the world's best player having won 6 Ballon d'Ors as well as credited with scoring over 500 goals for Barcelona in the last 10 years.

During 2012 alone Messi scored an impressive 91 goals. Yes, 91 goals! A player who has been so loyal to Barcelona may be finally moving on from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. Manchester City could likely be the destination for the living legend. His only regret till date will be not having won the World Cup while playing for Argentina. He is considered to be one of the most consistent players in football and the 2022 World Cup is most likely to be the last few games that he will play.

1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has won it all in club football. He has won the Champions League - 5 times, La Liga - twice, the Premier League - thrice, and the list goes on! The difference between Messi and Ronaldo? Ronaldo has achieved enormous success at 3 of the top football clubs -- Manchester United, Real Madrid and presently Juventus. Whoever he plays for, he delivers. He also led Portugal to Euros glory in 2016. If Ronaldo could win the 2022 World Cup with Portugal, it would be nothing short of glorious.

Has Ronaldo ever won Player of the Decade?

Cristiano Ronaldo Named UEFA Player Of The Decade | Soccer Laduma.

Who is the best player in the world Messi or Ronaldo?

Who is better Messi Or Ronaldo? Ronaldo has scored a record number of international goals and appearances, but Messi has won more Ballon d'Or awards (7). Messi has spent most of his playing career in Spain and France, while Ronaldo has played in Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy.

How many goals does Lionel Messi have?

He also has the most international goals by a South American male (106). Messi has scored over 800 senior career goals for club and country, and has the most goals by a player for a single club (672).