Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Frank Lampard makes huge prediction

The battle between Lionel Messi and Crisitano Ronaldo as to who will go down as the greatest ever will consumed all for more than a decade. A never-ending debate, the two superstars have had all of the footballing world drooling at their skills and records as they push themselves and each other to set new benchmarks every time they take to the field.

The duo has had a firm hold on the year-end Ballon d’Or trophy – each winning five over the last decade with other names being not more than being mere whispers.

Whilst Messi is Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 535 goals, Ronaldo has achieved the same feat for Real – bagging 432 goals for the Blancos since his move from Manchester United.

But, who will go down with more accolades and the greater number when it all comes to an end? Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has made a call on it. And he feels when all is said and done and the dust settles on the rivalry, it will be Lionel Messi standing head and shoulders above Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We can’t compare anybody (to him),” Lampard said on BT Sport.

“Well only Ronaldo compares to him. But I think Messi by the time he has finished will be even higher in numbers.

“Thirty-nine hat-tricks, 50 goals a season five times. He’s taken everything to new levels.”

Speaking on the trouble that his former side faces to contain the talent that is Lionel Messi, Lampard further stated:

“You can’t analyse this, it’s very tough for Chelsea to watch their videos midweek and go ‘we’re going to do this to Lionel Messi’,' he added.

“I think man-to-man ruins your own organisation, he would take (N’Golo) Kante for instance and stick him on the left wing and leave Chelsea win an open midfield.

“I think you have to say to every player, the nearest player to him, get close to him, put him under pressure, get his head down, don’t let him feel like he can do what he wants on the pitch.

“Otherwise, the magic wand comes out.”