Thierry Henry explains why he rates Lionel Messi above Cristiano Ronaldo

24 February 2015 - 11:47 By Times LIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Barcelona´s French forward Thierry Henry (C) celebrates with teammtes Argentinean forward Lionel Messi (L) and Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto´o (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during their Champions League quarter final football match against Bayern Munich at home to at the Camp Nou stadium in this April 8, 2009 file photo in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/LLUIS GENE
Barcelona´s French forward Thierry Henry (C) celebrates with teammtes Argentinean forward Lionel Messi (L) and Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto´o (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during their Champions League quarter final football match against Bayern Munich at home to at the Camp Nou stadium in this April 8, 2009 file photo in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/LLUIS GENE

Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is a debate that feels as old as time, but when a player who also touched those sorts of heights during his career weighs in, it's worth listening.

Thierry Henry has explained in a wide ranging interview with FIFA.com that he favours Messi out of the two, in part because he's seen the Argentine up close by playing with him for a spell at Barcelona.

“Well, I played with Leo, so you can guess my answer (laughs). I have enormous respect for Cristiano who has managed to remain at the highest level for many years and by that I mean at an extraordinarily high level,” said the former Barcelona and Arsenal hit-man.

“It’s one thing to have to have a single great season, but to maintain it for so many years is something else.

“I don’t think we fully realise just what these guys are achieving. So, while huge respect goes to Ronaldo, having played with Messi and shared extraordinary moments with him, both in victory and defeat, it has to be Leo.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now