The Best: Ronaldo and Messi on par with legends like Maradona and Pelé, says Nuno Gomes

Former Portuguese footballer Nuno Gomes believes that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who are competing against Neymar on Monday in London for the 'The Best' award for the best player of the season, are on the same level as legends like Diego Maradona, Pelé, or Zinedine Zidane.

In a conversation with EFE in the British capital, 41-year-old Gomes stated that his favorite to win the award in London is his compatriot Cristiano, ahead of Messi and Neymar.

"Not only because he's Portuguese, but because this year he won the Champions League and LaLiga, in addition to setting a goal record. I believe he deserves to win," said the former Portuguese international -79 caps, 29 goals-.

"It's difficult to choose between Messi and Cristiano. They are two players who define a generation. I'm happy to have played with Cristiano and against Messi. They are two extraordinary players, just like Neymar will be. Currently, he's a bit behind the other two, but in the future, he will win the award," he said.

Gomes, one of the former footballers who participated in the 'Fifa Legends' roundtable at a central London hotel, next to the London Palladium, venue for tonight's ceremony, ranked Cristiano and Messi as the top players in history, but didn't forget about other 'greats' like Pelé, Eusebio, Maradona, or Ronaldo 'El Fenomeno'.

"I think they are both up there, but we shouldn't forget about Maradona, Eusebio, Pelé, Ronaldo 'El Fenomeno', or 'Zizou'... I like them all, and that's why it's difficult to choose. Each one has their similarities and differences; they all have something unique to offer. The real beauty would be to bring them all together and create a team," he declared.

In addition, the former Portuguese player expressed his satisfaction with being in London, the host of this year's ceremony after it was held in Zurich last year.

"I'm very happy. This morning, we were with the FIFA president (Gianni Infantino) and many other players, discussing important topics for football. I think it's vital for this sport to have the opinions of the players," he stated.

"It's important for 'The Best' award to be presented in London, one of the capitals of football and the world. It's a big and cosmopolitan city, with a great diversity of languages and nationalities. It was a good idea," Gomes pointed out.