Rio de Janeiro Jan 22 (IANS) Brazil football great Pele would still prefer Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi in his team over Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo despite the latter s recent dominance of the Ballon d Or award.
Ronaldo last year won his fourth Ballon d Or in the past five years to equal Messi as a five-time recipient of football s top individual honour reports Xinhua.
"I would still choose Messi " Pele told TV Globo on Sunday. "Scoring goals is important without doubt but if there isn t anybody there to set it up the ball won t go into the net. In my team I d prefer Messi."
Pele who is widely regarded as the world s best ever player was optimistic about Brazil s chances of winning this year s World Cup in Russia.
After a poor start to their qualifying campaign Brazil finished top of the South America group and are now one of the tournament favourites.
"Until recently I was a little concerned. But now it s a team that has established itself. I m more confident because Tite is giving the players belief " the three-time World Cup winner added.
--IANS
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