Former Italy midfielder Gianni Rivera has claimed that Brazilian star Pele is the best player of all time.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been lauded as the greatest player in the history of football in recent weeks, but the 68-year-old believes that Pele was better in his prime.

"Messi is quite a weapon for Barca. Having him in your team is huge, he's the most decisive player right now. However, I do think there's someone who was even better and that's Pele," Rivera told AS.

"He was as dangerous with his right as he was with his left. He was strong in the air as well, and created a lot of chances."

Rivera represented AC Milan between 1960 and 1979.