Diego Simeone rates Lionel Messi as a superior player to Cristiano Ronaldo despite believing the Juventus star is the better man for a bad situation.
A recording of Simeone stating his preference for Ronaldo emerged in the aftermath of Argentina's shock 3-0 loss to Croatia at the World Cup.
But the Atletico Madrid head coach has now affirmed his belief that Barcelona ace Messi is the standout of the pair, on the condition he is surrounded by top talent.
The Argentina captain, Simeone reasons, would struggle to match Ronaldo's output among lesser team-mates.
"If I had to choose between Messi and Ronaldo then most likely I would choose Messi," Simeone told reporters.