Cristiano Ronaldo is 'not at the same level he was', says Luis Suarez
The Barcelona striker rates his team-mate Lionel Messi higher
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Perhaps unsurprisingly Luis Suarez falls on the side of his Barcelona team-mate in the debate over which is the better player between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, when discussing the latter, Suarez appeared to suggest that Ronaldo is a fading force.
Suarez has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Messi since linking up with the four-time Ballon d'Or winner at the Nou Camp following his move from Liverpool and has seen enough to claim the Argentinian is the best on the planet.
"Messi is natural, it is his character. He is the best in the world," Suarez told Algerian football magazine Le Buteur, "but he was born with his qualities."
The former Liverpool striker is not quite so impressed with Ronaldo though.
"Ronaldo has progressed and worked a lot to perform how he does. He's not at the same level he was when he started."
The suggestion that Ronaldo is slipping from his peak - a position that's seen him win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi for the last two years - comes despite 56 goals in all competitions for the Portugal player this season.
But Suarez knows where he stands on the greatest debate in football.
"I think Leo is the best."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments