Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has his say on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

Liverpool Coach Jurgen Klopp applauds the fans after the second half of an International Champions Cup soccer match between Liverpool and the Borussia Dortmund at Bank of America Stadium [Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports]

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on who is the greatest between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona star Messi and Juventus ace Ronaldo are widely considered to be two of the best players ever to grace a football pitch - along with legends such as Pele, Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona.

The two enjoyed a fierce La Liga rivalry when Ronaldo was at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018, and between the two of them they have won 11 out of the last 12 Ballon d'Or awards - with Messi ahead by one.

Fans have long debated who is the greatest of the two, and now Klopp - who has led his Liverpool side into Champions League battle against both players - has had his say on the matter.

"For me Messi, but I couldn't admire Ronaldo more than I do already," Klopp told YouTube channel freekickerz.

"The explanation is the following: We've played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend.

"But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on.

"If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo's height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do.

"And what is then even added to that is his total attitude - it is absolutely perfect and professional, it couldn't be any better.

"And on the other side there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple.

"And therefore I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch. But Cristiano is also an absolutely incredible player."

While both players have incredible talent and impressive trophy hauls, Klopp said what was also impressive about them was their longevity at the top.

One-club man Messi, 32, has been a constant in the Barcelona team since 2005, while 35-year-old Ronaldo first made his name after joining Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

"What both have in common is that both have left their footprints for such a long time," said Klopp.

"There are also some younger players who have a similar potential, but to do that over this time period is even more incredible."