Pele attempts to settle Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

Brazil legend Pele has proclaimed Cristiano Ronaldo as superior to Lionel Messi in a move to settle one of football’s great debates.

The pair have shared 11 of the past 12 Ballon d’Or awards, with the Argentine winning six and the Portuguese one back on five.

But Pele, who won three World Cups in his illustrious career, gives the Juventus superstar the edge over the Barcelona icon.  

“Right now I think Cristiano Ronaldo is the most consistent player out there, but you can’t forget about Messi,” he told YouTube channel Pilhado.

“That’s a tough question to answer. I’ve been asked many times.

Pele prefers Ronaldo to Messi due to his consistency (AFP)

“We mustn’t forget Zico and Ronaldinho. People always talk about European players like [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Johan] Cruyff.”

The former Santos forward would not leave the debate there though, instead claiming the throne for himself. 

“It’s not my fault, but I think I was better than all of them,” Pele added.

“There will only be one Pele. There won’t be anyone else like me.”