Brazil icon Dani Alves has made the stunning claim that Selecao legend Pele should not be in the same conversation as Lionel Messi when it comes to which player is the best of all time.
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Though football fans around the world have been treated to some remarkable footballers over the years, very few players are fortunate enough to be revered among the game's all-time greats.
Along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona, Messi and Pele are names often discussed in the conversations as both South Americans have massively contributed to the sport's growth.
In Pele's case, the Brazilian is considered one of the best players in history given his three FIFA World Cup wins between 1958 and 1970, though Dani Alves feels his former teammate Messi ranks above his compatriot.
"I stay with Pele for one reason: football has changed. Messi changed a generation," he told Marca.
"All those people who are more than football, I'm going to stay with them.
"And besides, I'm Brazilian. For me, Pele should not enter in that debate.
"If you ask me, who is the best player in history? I would say Messi. Pele doesn't fit in there."
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Alves currently represents UNAM Pumas in Mexico following a short stay at Barcelona between 2021 and 2022, and has assisted four goals in 10 matches since his arrival.
The right-back, meanwhile, made 408 appearances for the Catalan club in two spells, playing a direct hand in 127 strikes.
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