Lionel Messi Is The Best Because Of Ronaldo- kluivert

Former Barcelona player, Patrick Kluivert has insisted that Lionel Messi would not have achieved this much without the Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry.

The former Netherlands international said the competition between both players brought the best out of the Argentinean star.

Messi, who helped Barcelona to a treble last season has already clinch the UEFA best player for the year and he's most likely to win the next Ballon d'Or award next January. 

Their status as the two best players in the world playing for Spanish arch-rivals has elevated their rivalry – something that former Barca forward Kluivert thinks has been essential for Messi's successes.

"Messi is in a different dimension with his football, but I also think he urgently needs someone like Cristiano Ronaldo," the 39-year-old told Voetbal Zone.

"He needs someone who gives him an incentive to go for it every game, to see each match as a challenge. Both players are world class and a level above the rest.

"At Barcelona, now there is only one central player: Messi. During my time, there were several important players there, though on the other hand Messi's nothing without his team-mates."

Kluivert currently coaches Caribbean nation Curacao (ranked 148th in the world) but suggested he has eyes for Luis Enrique's current job at Camp Nou, where he played between 1998 and 2004.

"Of course, it's my dream to be coach of Barcelona," the Dutchman added. "Yes, I know it is certainly a possibility which is far away, but who knows what might happen.

"Luis Enrique was a leader on the field in our playing days and always crazy about football. These two features – leadership and passion – ensure he's a top trainer. It makes sense he's done well."

Curacao lost 1-0 in the home leg of their latest World Cup 2018 qualifier against El Salvador and will need to win Tuesday's return leg to have any chance of reaching the fourth round of Concacaf qualification.