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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have long battled it out for bragging rights as the best player of all-time.

But Chelsea star Willian believes the title belongs to another well-known name: Barcelona's former Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.

Between 2003 and 2008, Ronaldinho made more than 200 appearances for Barca, winning La Liga twice and also lifting the Champions League with the club in 2006 after they beat Arsenal in the final.

After leaving Spain for a stint in Italy with AC Milan, the World Cup winner wound down his career back in Brazil with a string of clubs including Atletico Mineiro and Fluminese, before hanging up his boots in 2015.

And Willian has heaped praise on his compatriot.

(Image: PA)

"Ronaldinho was the best of all time. Better than Messi and Cristiano," he said.

"They score goals, but what Ronnie did was incredible. He was amazing on the field and also scored."

Ronaldinho was rewarded was his stunning form with Barcelona by clinching the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy in 2005.

But Willian reckons the former Nou Camp hero would have collected more personal accolades had he remained with the Spanish giants.

"As a fan of his, I have to say that he left too soon," he added.

(Image: Reuters)

"If he had kept up the level a couple of years, he would have won many more Ballon d'Or's"

Brazil international Willian is currently prepare to face Messi's Argentina in Saudi Arabia.

The South American giants meet at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Friday to renew their fierce rivalry following a 2-0 victory for Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals.

However, since lifting the trophy on home soil, the Selecao have not won a game, with three draws and also a defeat against Peru in Los Angeles.

Argentina are expected to have captain Messi playing for the first time since his three-month suspension.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Chelsea midfielder Willian knows the importance of keeping Messi at close quarters.

"He's a great player, unrivalled, the best in the world. But we've faced Argentina before and this will be no different to those times," said Willian, quoted by Spanish newspaper Sport.

"We have to give him a lot of attention, we must restrict the space he has.

"We won't man-mark him, what needs to happen is we need to close down the space around him. Above all we can't allow him time to think."