'Between Ronaldo and Messi, I would always choose Messi'

Maldini has weighed in on the eternal comparison between the Argentine and the Portuguese, and is particularly clear on who of the two would get his vote.

He told 'Mediaset' in Italy, very bluntly: ''If I had to choose between Cristiano and Messi, I would choose Messi. I would always choose Messi and I would never regret my choice because Leo is unique.''

The former AC Milan defender was keen to point out the difference between two of the world's greatest ever players. He added: ''Messi does things with the ball that nobody else can do, and I love watching him play.'' 

His comments come as both teams compete in the round of 16 in the World Cup. While Ronaldo is battling to become the top scorer in Russia, Messi woke up just in time to help Argentina achieve an almost miraculous progression to the last 16.