Ghana legend Mohammed Polo has nothing but praise for the two forwards, who have dominated football over the past decade, but believes Messi is undoubtedly the best in the world. 

Polo, 61, has stressed that Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi is a better player than Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portuguese equaling the Argentine’s record of five Ballon d'Or awards.  

After the Portuguese claimed yet another Ballon d'Or on Thursday night, the age-old Ronaldo v Messi debate has resurfaced. 

Ronaldo beat Messi to win the award for the fifth time - and the second year in a row.  Victory took the Portugal captain level with Messi, who won the most recent of his five awards in 2015 yet Mohammed Polo claims Messi stands tall. 

‘’In terms of awards, they are equal but in terms of contribution to football, I think Messi is still the best because he is unique,’’ Polo told Joy Sports.

‘’Messi scores and also create chances for his teammates to convert but Ronaldo is just a finisher.’’