Barca Legend Ronaldinho Says Messi Might Be the Best Today But Every Generation Has Their Star

Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has lauded Lionel Messi as the best player of his era.

Speaking to Spanish publication Sport, the former Barcelona and Brazil attacking midfielder congratulated Messi on his ability to remain the best in the world for such a long period of time, something he says he found difficult.

When asked about his inability to stay at the top, Ronaldinho stated that it must be 'tough' for Messi to maintain his level of performance year after year.

"[It's]Really difficult. It must be really tough [for Messi]. To keep yourself as the No.1 for as long as Leo has... it's really difficult. Messi is a phenomenon.

"Every era has its best player. Each one was the best of their time. And Leo is the best of now.

"Each player has their time. Garrincha, Maradona, Leo's up there with them all.

"In my era it was me."

Ronaldinho also claimed that one day Brazilian superstar Neymar would reach the level of Messi, although he also lamented the fact that the former Santos star had to play in an age filled with incredible talent like Messi.

"I think he will reach Leo's level. He's going to be the best in time. He's young and he's won a lot. Like many others, though, he's unfortunate to be around in the era of Messi."

Ronaldinho was recently in New York to help open Barcelona's new offices in the American city, and he confirmed that he had received offers in the past to in theplay Major League Soccer league.

"I've had the chance to play here many times. I have a lot of friends, many directors at clubs. And now I've got the chance to play here again.

"It's an option, but what I most want is to have the chance to travel, to promote the things I want to do."