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PSG captain Thiago Silva: Messi tougher to defend than Ronaldo

The PSG skipper has played against both of the five-time Ballon D'Or winners, and will face the Portugal international in the Champions League last 16.

PSG captain Thiago Silva: Messi tougher to defend than Ronaldo
CHARLES PLATIAUREUTERS

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva believes it is harder to defend against Barcelona star Lionel Messi than Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Silva gives Ronaldo added Champions League motivation

Messi and Ronaldo have won a record five Ballon d'Or awards apiece, while the pair are the all-time leading goalscorers for their respective clubs.

But Silva – who is set to come up against Ronaldo and titleholders Madrid in the Champions League last 16 – spoke in favour of Messi.

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PAU BARRENAAFP

"It's harder to defend against Leo Messi than Cristiano Ronaldo," Silva told Le10Sport. 

"Cristiano deserved to win everything he's won in his career. This year is a bit harder for him but it's not over yet. He could still win the next Ballon d'Or.

"Messi and Ronaldo both do incredible things"

"The little difference between them is that Messi, with the ball, one on one, or even against two, is difficult to stop."

Silva added: "They are both players who do incredible things, like Neymar, for example."

Ligue 1 leaders PSG will travel to Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu for the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 14.