Samuel Eto'o has revealed his clear favourite in the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo debate, and once again defended Xavi Hernandez after Ronaldo mocked his former teammate.
Read: Eto'o Defends Xavi After Ronaldo Mocked Him
The row between Xavi and the Portuguese began when the Spaniard suggested only Real Madrid fans believe Ronaldo is better than Messi.
Los Blancos' all-time top scorer did not take the statement lightly and responded by suggesting Xavi has no place to comment because he never won a Ballon d'Or.
"I am always going to position myself in Messi's favour. I have seen him grow as a player," Eto'o told Cadena Ser.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is also writing a history in football, but I prefer Messi.
"And if Xavi said that, it is because he also knows Messi. I do not think he wanted to disrespect Ronaldo with his comments."
Eto'o had initially responded to Ronaldo's comments by suggesting Xavi would have won many Ballon d'Or titles if it was a fair award.
"Firstly, Xavi deserves all the respect in the world," Eto'o said.
"Had the Ballon d'Or been a fair award, Xavi would have won it five or six times."
Read: Ex-Barca Star Recalls How Messi 'Destroyed' Everyone In Training
The longstanding Messi-Ronaldo debate is starting to pick up speed once again as the Ballon d'Or, which recently cut its ties with FIFA and returned to its previous format hosted by France Football, gala gets closer and closer.
Who do you think has been the world's best player in 2016 so far? Have your say in the comments section below.
