Suarez says there's 'no debate,' Messi is better than Ronaldo

The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate is a longstanding and heated exercise. Messi's teammate Luis Suarez, however, believes there's no debate. He is certain that his Barcelona ally is the superior player, and even went as far as to say that Messi's stats should guarantee him the Ballon d'Or.

"He [Ronaldo] won the Champions League and Euro 2016, but in my view, there's no debate needed. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world -- aside from the titles," Suarez said.

Messi notched 26 goals and 18 assists en route to Barcelona's La Liga triumph last season, while Ronaldo scooped 35 goals and 11 assists. Ronaldo also lead Portugal to an unlikely Euro 2016 final victory, whereas Messi and Argentina fell short in this summer's Copa America Centenario final.

Suarez insists that Messi's impact goes further than just stats and titles, though.

Messi and Ronaldo had polar opposite summers with their national teams.

"He is the cut above the rest in every match, Suarez said. "Those stats alone should guarantee him the Ballon d'Or."

It's tough to guarantee someone the Ballon d'Or, but at this stage in the game it's hard to see anyone else but Ronaldo winning it. Messi definitely has a case, and Suarez is free to believe what he wants, but it's tough to deny Ronaldo's successes this season.

And worst case, Messi can put forth an effort to claim the next honor, just like he deservedly does every year.

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