Sir Alex Ferguson: 'Cristiano Ronaldo could play for anyone, Lionel Messi couldn't'

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Cristiano Ronaldo slightly pips Lionel Messi to being the world's best footballer because the Portuguese star could play for anyone.

The Scotsman nurtured Ronaldo at United after buying him from Sporting Lisbon when he was 18 years old.

Since then, the Portugal international has gone on to win three Ballon d'Or trophies and sit alongside Barcelona's Messi as one of the greatest footballers of a generation.

During a segment for the BBC, Ferguson was asked who he believes is the world's best player. He said: "Many people quite rightly say Messi and you can't dispute that opinion.

"Ronaldo could play for Millwall, QPR, Doncaster Rovers, anyone, and score a hat-trick. I'm not sure Messi could do that. Ronaldo's got two feet, he's quick, great in the air and brave."

The 30-year-old has been playing for Real Madrid since 2009 when he joined from United for a then world record fee of £80m.