Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given his opinion on the Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate by siding with the Barcelona icon.

The duo have won 11 of the last 12 Ballons d'Or between them, with Messi winning six and Ronaldo five during an era in which they have established themselves as two of the greatest players of all time.

Messi is also one ahead of his perennial rival when it comes to number of club goals scored and, while Klopp was full of praise for Ronaldo, he believes that the Argentine just edges it as the better player.

"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," Klopp told YouTube channel freekickerz.

"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. What both have in common is that both have left their footprints for such a long time."

Ronaldo recently opened up on his admiration for Messi, insisting that they have spurred each other on to reach even greater heights.