Global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both likely competing at their last World Cup.

Alan Shearer backed Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo when asked to answer one of football’s fiercest debates.

For almost 20 years, fans have argued in classrooms, workplaces, pubs and on social media about who is the defining player of his generation. Both superstars are reaching the end of their illustrious careers, with the ongoing World Cup likely the last dance on the biggest stage of all.

Messi netted a stunning hat-trick to put Algeria to the sword in Argentina’s opener. By contrast, Ronaldo failed to make an impact as DR Congo - thanks to Yoane Wissa’s equaliser - held Portugal to a draw.

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‘Lionel Messi is staggering’ - Alan Shearer

Newcastle United legend Shearer has now weighed in on the debate to crown Messi as the sport’s undisputed king. He told Betfair: “Lionel Messi is staggering. He's just incredible how he keeps going. He looks as good as ever and he's got a team now who are prepared to do more running for the sake of him to try and get him on the ball.

“It's fascinating watching him because everyone's first thought is 'can I pass to Messi?' Everyone thinks about how to get the ball to him and rightly so. That left foot is deadly. I've run out of superlatives to say about him. It's staggering what he's done and is still doing.

“I'd imagine the frustrations from Ronaldo the night before watching Messi score three and then him going out and not playing well at all, looking very frustrated. You can imagine what he's feeling.

“Messi and Ronaldo are both amazing players, but I've always edged on the side of Messi. I really don't like comparisons because they're so different in terms of ability and attitude and how they've got to the top. It's all very different. I'll always edge for Messi though.”

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‘A concern’ - Alan Shearer

Shearer also suggested Ronaldo - now 41 - could be hindering Portugal’s chances. He added: “It was always a concern of mine if Ronaldo wasn't prepared to accept he may not start every game, and he certainly can't play every minute of every game. It looks as if it's the case.

“Whether Roberto Martinez is allowed to have a word with him and actually bring him off. Cristiano is that powerful. If he isn't prepared to understand he can't play every minute, then it won't work.

“I would start him in Portugal’s next game, but if it doesn't work, I'd be telling him he has to come off. That's what I mean though, it's whether he's allowed to be subbed because Cristiano is that powerful. It's really difficult. He's a global superstar who has done so well for so many years, but he hasn't scored for a while in a Portugal shirt and he's nowhere near his best.”

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