The Brazilian says he has not come up against a tougher opponent than the Portugal star, but maintains that his former Barcelona team-mates are better
Dani Alves admits that Cristiano Ronaldo is the toughest opponent he has faced in his career, but maintains Lionel Messi and Neymar are superior.
The Brazilian right-back has come up against the Real Madrid star on several occasions in his career through his time at Barcelona and Juventus, most recently in last season’s Champions League final.
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However, the 34-year-old spent eight seasons as a team-mate of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in Spain, and believes the Argentine is the greatest that has ever lived, giving a special mention to compatriot and new Paris Saint-Germain colleague Neymar.
Alves named Ronaldo when asked by FIFA TV who his toughest opponent has been, but added: “I say Messi [is the best of all time] because I’ve seen him play.
“Of the other greats, I have heard what people say about them, but I can’t corroborate it because I haven’t seen them.
“I choose Messi next to Neymar, they are the most spectacular I’ve seen.”
Meanwhile, the full-back picked ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola as his No.1 coach, despite passing up the chance to join Manchester City this summer and instead choosing PSG.
And his Brazil team-mate and current Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis was named by Alves as the best defender he has faced.