Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had some words of praise for Lionel Messi, but also explained why he thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is the better player.
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The legendary Red Devils manager, who lured a 19-year-old Ronaldo to United in 2003 and helped him transform into a world star, was at a golfers' event with Rory McIlroy when he once again weighed in on the Messi-Ronaldo debate.
"When the ball is at Messi's feet, it is like he is wearing slippers," the 74-year-old said, as quoted by The Independent.
"But there is a difference between Messi and Ronaldo, and I'll tell you what it is.
"I think Messi is a Barcelona player, but Ronaldo could be playing for Stockport County and he would score a hat-trick. He is brilliant in the air and he has two feet."
Ferguson also touched on his decision to retire, and admitted he may not have done so if United had not won the Premier League title in 2013.
"I told Cathy (his wife) I was going to retire and she said 'Are you sure?'," he added.
"I knew it was time because the first time I said I would retire, she said 'No, you aren't'.
"If we didn't win the league, I don't know what I would have done."
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Ferguson lifted 38 trophies during a 26-year spell at United.
Do you agree with Ferguson that Messi can only perform at the top level with Barcelona? Have your say in the comments section below.
