FC Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has explained why he thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is not on the same level as Lionel Messi.

Read: Ronaldo Has His Say On World's Best Player Debate

Cruyff first shone as a Barcelona player, before forming the club's famous 'Dream Team' in the early 1990s as a manager.

The Dutchman has now compared Messi and Ronaldo, insisting one is a great player while the other is just a great goalscorer.

"For me, I have always liked small, technical players because that's a little what I was like," he told Sport.

"Ronaldo is a great player, but he's a goalscorer. He will never be the player who can create or force a team to play well. He cares about finishing. He is a great player.

"Messi is much more of a team player than Cristiano. He gives passes, produces many more assists... so, for me, as a player, not a goalscorer, although he also scores a lot, the best is Messi.

"For me, there's a great difference between being a great player and a goalscorer."

Cruyff also stated that this year's Ballon d'Or can only have the Catalan superstar as the winner.

"The Ballon d'Or must be Messi's this year. There is no discussion," he concluded.

Read: Reports: List Of Ballon d'Or Contenders Leaked

Do you agree with Cruyff that Messi is a great player while Ronaldo is just a great goalscorer? Have your say in the comments section below.