Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi isn't the best in the world.
Ferdinand and the United squad sat down last week and watched a re-run of the 2009 final against Barca, which they lost 2-0. The genius of Lionel Messi did for them in Rome and he outshone Cristiano Ronaldo, who left United for Real Madrid that summer.
Ferdinand told The Sun: "There aren't enough words out there to describe the little fella.
"His goalscoring record this season is phenomenal. He's scored more than 50 - and Ronnie is just behind.
"If you look at the stats, Messi is the best player in the world.
"But I'd still take Ronaldo in my team before Messi. That's probably because I've played with him and I think he suits English football better.
"Messi is a great player, though, and he does some breathtaking stuff. But I believe we can deal with him and I'm confident we can win it. This time I'm determined to enjoy my holiday and that will only happen if I've got that trophy in my hands again."
