Alves gave his view on the eternal debate in an interview with 'FIFA TV'. The former Barca full-back didn't hesitate in responding when he was asked who is the best footballer he has come up against.
"I think Cristiano Ronaldo", said Alves, clearly and convincingly. The Brazilian international has had many enthralling battles with the Portuguese star over the years.
But when he was asked who he thought was the best player, Alves answered in again in a definitive fashion: "The best footballer ever? I would say Messi because he is the one I've seen play. With the others I've only heard what other people say about them.
"I haven't seen them, I can't confirm, so I go with the one I have seen. I think Messi, along with Neymar, is the most spectacular player I've ever seen," said Dani Alves.
Dani Alves: "¿El mejor jugador que me he enfrentado? Cristiano Ronaldo". pic.twitter.com/hDHCCYQWe1
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Fran4ever) September 4, 2017