Sir Alex Ferguson explains why Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo aren't on the same level>>>

Take your pick: Fergie has waded in on the debate

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They may have been usurped from the top of the La Liga scoring charts, but theCristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate continues to rage.

And now former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has given his insight on what makes his ex-charge Ronaldo the pick of the pair, as he spoke as a guest at 'An Evening with Rory McIlroy in Dublin.

“It’s interesting to me that we hear so much about two players these days: Ronaldo and Messi ,” the Scot said alongside the former World No.1 golfer.

“Now don’t get me wrong, Messi is a fantastic player, it’s like he’s wearing slippers when he controls the ball. But here, for me, is the difference. Messi is a Barcelona player.

“But Ronaldo could play for Stockport County and score a hat-trick. He has everything. He can shoot with both feet, head the ball, he’s as brave as a lion, and here’s something else people overlook."

Old pals: Ferguson has been discussing Ronaldo

This season was the first time since 2009 that neither Messi or Ronaldo claimed the Pichichi Trophy, as Luis Suarez topped the goalscoring charts with 40 goals, five more than the Real Madrid man and 14 ahead of his Barca team-mate Messi.

Ferguson also believes it is the Portuguese's work rate was what separated him from him his peers.

Do you think Messi and Ronaldo are on the same level? Have your say in the comments below

Grafter: Ronaldo's work rate has set him apart from his contemporaries, says Ferguson

“During my time at Manchester United I was lucky enough to have a lot of people who put in countless extra hours to get better. Gary Neville turned himself from an average footballer into a wonderful one because of his work ethic, as did David Beckham. But Ronaldo used to completely exhaust himself, and still does. He just wanted to be the best in the world.”

Ferguson signed Ronaldo for Manchester United in 2003 and oversaw his development from a raw, gifted youngster to a future Ballon d'Or winner and the world's most expensive player when he signed for Real Madrid in 2009.

Ronaldo will also be looking to win his third Champions League trophy when Real Madrid go up against neighbours Atletico in the final later this month.

                                                                                      

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