While Klopp has raved about former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo, the Liverpool boss has explained why he thinks Barcelona and Argentina international forward Messi is the better player.
The former Borussia Dortmund has spoken highly of the Portugal international’s attitude and professionalism, and has raved about Messi making everything look so simple.
Klopp said, as quoted by Goal.com: “For me Messi, but I couldn’t admire Ronaldo more than I do already. The explanation is the following. We’ve played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend.
“But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on. If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo’s height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do. And what is then even added to that is his total attitude, it is absolutely perfect and professional, it couldn’t be any better.
“And on the other side there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple. And therefore I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch. But Cristiano is also an absolutely incredible player.
“It’s really difficult therefore, but what both have in common is that both have left their footprints for such a long time. There are also some younger players who have a similar potential, but to do that over this time period is even more incredible.”
Stats
Messi has made 21 starts and one substitute appearances in La Liga for Barcelona so far this season, scoring 19 goals and providing 12 assists in the process.
The 32-year-old forward has made five starts and one substitute appearances in the Champions League for the Blaugrana this campaign, scoring two goals and providing three assists in the process.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has played 22 matches in Serie A for Juventus so far this campaign, scoring 21 goals and providing three assists in the process.
The 35-year-old forward has also scored twice in seven Champions League matches for the Bianconeri so far this campaign.