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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Colin Millar

Cristiano Ronaldo's decline laid bare by Xavi verdicts on him and Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Xavi Hernandez FC Barcelona Football World Cup Real Madrid

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez insists his former teammate Lionel Messi remains the best player on the planet while also clarifying his view on Cristiano Ronaldo ’s status in elite football.

The Portuguese superstar ended his relationship with Man United by mutual consent last week, following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. He has now switched fully to international mode and is aiming to break multiple different World Cup records.

Ronaldo became the first player to score in five different World Cups when he netted against Ghana in his nation's opening World Cup game. Messi too is in international mode as he bagged in Argentina’s victory over Mexico on Saturday after also netting in their opening shock opening defeat against Saudi Arabia.

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