Lionel Messi is one of football’s greatest ever players, with a record four Ballon d’Or titles to his name, 463 goals, and 27 trophies in his silverware cabinet, though all for Barcelona.
However, the 28-year-old Argentine superstar would not be the player that he is today without the presence of Real Madrid nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.
This is according to Blaugrana icon Patrick Kluivert, who argues that the contest between the two Liga BBVA aces to become the beautiful game's most dominant figure has brought out the best from the Albiceleste captain.
Speaking to Voetbal Zone, Kluivert said: "Messi is in a different dimension with his football, but I also think he urgently needs someone like Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He needs someone who gives him an incentive to go for it every game, to see each match as a challenge. Both players are world class and a level above the rest.
"At Barcelona, now there is only one central player: Messi. During my time, there were several important players there, though on the other hand Messi's nothing without his team-mates."
Both players have endured a slow start to the new Spanish Primera Division season, with the Argentine and Portuguese attacker yet to open their goalscoring account, but it was La Pulga who enjoyed the better 2014-15 campaign.
After losing the Ballon d’Or race to the 30-year-old former Man United man for a second year running, Messi’s form experienced a sharp rise; as he went on to lead the Catalan giants to the treble.
With the 2015 Ballon d’Or Gala not too far away, it is Messi who is highly tipped to swoop up the ultimate prize this time round.
