Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has explained why Lionel Messi, and not Cristiano Ronaldo, is the toughest opponent he has ever faced.
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The 37-year-old, who has played against both superstars, was asked on the Monday Night Football television show which player was the most difficult to play against in his career.
"Messi. By a considerable distance," he responded, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"Ronaldo and Messi are the standouts, but I think Messi for his individual ability when he was at the top.
"You couldn't get near him at his best. For me, he's the best of all time."
Lampard also named his New York City teammate and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo as the best midfielder he has played with.
"I really enjoyed playing alongside Pirlo," he added.
"I had such an admiration for him from afar, his ability on the ball, his passing. I played games against him when he was at Juventus, England vs Italy, he's a class act.
"His passing, his appreciation is second to none, he's a pleasure to train with and he's a really nice fella. Very humble, does his little thing off the pitch, and he's a huge name.
"Everywhere we go in America there are people outside with their Italian shirt on. The rest of us get ignored!"
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Messi or Ronaldo – who do you think would be tougher to face? Have your say in the comments section below.
