'There's no need' – Cristiano Ronaldo claim disputed by Lionel Messi's boss Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has revealed that he doesn't agree with Cristiano Ronaldo's claim to be the best footballer of all time.

The 40-year-old didn't disclose his pick for the greatest player but made it clear that his view differs from Ronaldo's. "These are opinions," he said during a Miami press conference.

"Obviously, I have a lot of respect for Cristiano, and there's no need for me to analyse his opinion. That's what he believes. I also have my own opinion, which is not the same as his."

Ronaldo sparked controversy in an interview with Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito, in which he declared himself the most complete player ever. "I believe I am the most complete player who has ever existed. It's me. I do everything in football," he said.

"I play well in terms of heading the ball, I'm good at free-kicks, I'm good with my left foot, I'm quick, I'm strong, I jump. I am the best player ever, I believe that.

"One thing is taste, whether you like Messi or Pele or Maradona more. I understand that and respect it, but to say that Cristiano is not complete is a lie. I am the most complete. I have not seen anyone better than me."

Mascherano and Ronaldo have had a long-standing rivalry, dating back to their days at Liverpool and United, respectively, and later when Mascherano moved to Barcelona and Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

While Mascherano didn't explicitly state who he thinks is the greatest player of all time, it's likely that his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi would be high on his list.

The pair enjoyed a successful eight-year spell together, winning numerous accolades, including two Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles. Mascherano now manages Messi at Inter Miami.

He's not the only one who disagrees with Ronaldo's claim. Former Madrid and United star Angel Di Maria, who played alongside Ronaldo, also thinks the ex-Juventus star is wrong.

"He [Ronaldo] always made these kind of remarks," Di Maria said. "He always tried to be the best, but he was unfortunately born in a generation where there was another player [Messi] who made everything he touched turn to gold.

"The reality is demonstrated in the numbers. One player won eight Ballon d'Or awards [Messi], while the other won five [Ronaldo]. Another key difference is that one has lifted the World Cup."

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