Ander Herrera - "I have played and faced the best, but there is none like him(Messi)."

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has joined a list of players who have decided to give their verdict on the eternal debate surrounding Barcelona ace Lionel Messi and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi has been in phenomenal form for Barcelona this season, having netted 39 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions so far, thereby leading the race for the European Golden Shoe.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has 19 goals in the Serie A so far this season and is in close contention for the league's Golden Shoe, and has 24 goals in all competitions.

Both the players also led their respective sides to the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the last few weeks. While Barcelona has been drawn to face Manchester United in the next stage of the competition, Juventus will lock horns with Ajax.

Ahead of the crucial European clash, Herrera has given his thoughts on the debate surrounding the talismanic duo, naming Messi as the "best player in history".

Speaking to El Periodico (via Manchester Evening News), he said, "The team (Barcelona) has the best player (Messi) in history. For me, the most decisive I have ever seen in my life, and I have played and faced the best, but there is none like him."

While Herrera has faced Ronaldo in the earlier stages of Europe's top competition, he will meet Messi next month.