The former Barcelona star says the Portuguese cannot compare to the 'legend' of the Argentine forward and believes the Catalans can make Real Madrid suffer on Sunday
Former Barcelona star Hristo Stoichkov says Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will never match up to Lionel Messi – or to the Bulgarian himself.
Messi and Ronaldo once again go head-to-head this weekend as Liga leaders Barcelona host Madrid at Camp Nou in the Clasico on Sunday.
And Stoichkov, who finished joint-top scorer in World Cup 1994, believes Ronaldo isn’t at the same level as his Ballon d’Or rival.
"I do not have to compare myself with anyone. Let´s see if Cristiano wins the titles I won,” Stoichkov toldMarca.
“I wish him the best, but to see if he wins the Golden Boot at the World Cup or European Cup and then we can discuss it.
"I have no doubt that Messi is better. Winning a Ballon d’Or in a season means you've been good, but cannot compare to a legend with a player who is almost at the end of his career.”
The former Champions League and five-time Liga winner went on to reveal how impressed he was by Barca’s midweek display against Manchester City and stated his belief that Luis Enrique’s ide will all but wrap up the league title with Clasico victory.
“It was pretty much plain sailing against a strong Man City side,” he said. “I've almost lost my voice from raving about how Messi played, especially his nutmegs.
"The Clasico is more than three points. If Barcelona win, the league is theirs. If they play like they did against Man City, Madrid will really suffer.”
Barca come into Sunday’s tie one point clear of rivals Madrid at the top of the Liga table.
