Cristiano Ronaldo is only ever picked ahead of Lionel Messi due to politics, claims Turan as he enters GOAT debate

ARDA TURAN has weighed in on the GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as he picked his ex-Barcelona team-mate.

The Turkish midfielder – who signed for Galatasaray last week after a dismal five-year spell at the Nou Camp – believes the Argentinian international boasts a better all-around game.

Turan won one LaLiga title and two Copa del Rey's alongside Messi, and even though he admitted Ronaldo is a 'special' player, he couldn't go against the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS Turkey via Goal, he said: "Messi is present in every moment of football. He can dictate the game in every aspect.

"There's nothing bad to say about Ronaldo but he's a goalscorer, albeit a very special one. Messi does everything in this game.

"He does things you can't even imagine to do. His intelligence, his vision, his passing are all much different.

"And every person I have talked to about this agrees with me.

"Except the people who are close to Ronaldo, his team-mates, who say it's Ronaldo as they answer politically.

"Ronaldo is my friend and it's not my place to question his quality. But I think Messi is better."

Players who have competed with both men gave the edge to Messi in terms of who is the better footballer.

And the world's greatest managers have also given their opinion on the duo, with Messi once again coming out on top.

But despite their rivalry on the pitch, both Ronaldo and Messi have always spoken of their respect for one another as they continue to dominate.

It has even been claimed that the pair could play together next season, with Guillem Balague revealing the Juventus forward has been offered to Barcelona.

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