Brazilian legend Pele paid tribute to Lionel Messi on Friday by saying the Argentine player has been "the most consistent player in the world for the last 10 years."
During a promotional visit to London in which the three-time World Champion actually went behind the counter at a Subway branch to prepare tuna sandwiches, the three-time World Cup winner said that the Argentine maestro was a cut above his rivals, even though he lost the Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo for the second year running.
"Lionel Messi has been the most consistent player in the last 10 years. I actually think it is a bit unfair when people ask me to compare him to Cristiano as they are different kind of players. Cristiano reminds me of the Brazilian Ronaldo and I was really happy to present him with the Ballon d'Or in 2014. But Messi is above him in overall terms," Pele reckoned.
The Brazilian legend, nonetheless, left a sting on the tail. Asked if Messi could be compared to Pele, his answer was blunt. "He's almost as good as me. I could head the ball better and could also kick with both feet, while Messi tends to rely upon his left foot a bit more often."
Pele will attend Sunday's Premier League encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United. Asked about his predictions for the crucial encounter for both teams' Champions League predictions, the Brazilian legend believes the hosts could come out on top at Anfield.
The man Brazilians still refer to as The King said he trusted the good form of Philippe Coutinho.
"He's been playing well and could help Liverpool even more this season. Brazilian players can still make the difference individually."