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Manchester United great David Beckham says Lionel Messi is the clear winner in the ongoing debate about the best player in the world.

South American legends Pele and Diego Maradona used to be regarded as the two front-runners for the accolade of best ever, but in recent years Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have reignited the debate.

Barcelona legend Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award a record six times, followed by current Juventus forward Ronaldo who has five to his name.

The illustrious duo have dominated world football for the last decade and both have made strong cases for themselves to be regarded as the greatest player of all time.

However, Beckham believes there is a clear winner between the two with Messi on another level to his nearest rival.

"Messi is alone in his class as a player, it's impossible that there is someone else like him," Beckham told Argentine news agency Telam.

"As a player and there is no other like him. He, like Ronaldo, who doesn't reach his level, are above the rest. They may have similarities in technique and talent.

"It is amazing for football to have them both playing at the same time. But Messi is simply the best player in the world."