The debate of best soccer player in the world never ends. Is it Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who is on pace to break the La Liga single season scoring record? Many believe it's the 27-year-old Argentine Lionel Messi who is constantly smashing records left and right.

For former Brazilian great, Ronaldo, his answer is Neymar.

"Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best right now, but Neymar has come a long way. The move to Europe has done him good," Ronaldo said.

Neymar and Messi play on the same Spanish Football squad, FC Barcelona. Messi is widely regarded as the best player on the team because of his incredible accomplishments, but Neymar can certainly hold his own. This season Neymar leads the team in goals scored with 11, one more than Messi.

Another factor to consider is age. Neymar is five years younger than Messi.

"It is very close. It's about time for Neymar to take his place as the best in the world."

Of course many believe that Ronaldo may be showing a little bit of favoritism toward his fellow countryman. Ronaldo experienced one of the greatest soccer careers of any individual. He helped Brazil reach three FIFA World Cup Finals, won two World Cups and has the second most goals in World Cup history with 15. Only Germany's own Miroslav Klose has more all-time goals with 16. Ronaldo is also a two time Ballon d'Or winner.

As for Neymar, he played fantastic during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Neymar scored a team-leading four goals in the tournament for his country before falling to Germany in the semifinals. Ronaldo would talk about the future of the Brazilian National Team and the disappointing ending that took place on their home soil.

"The trauma of losing 7-1 against Germany very much hurt Brazilians. We can see that this fresh start after six games is good, OK, but we are still being felt. We want to erase that memory. But I have a much better memory, which is 2002 against Germany itself. I'd rather stay with this memory."

Ronaldo is of course referring to the 2002 World Cup Finals when Brazil defeated Germany, 2-0. Ronaldo was outstanding, scoring both goals in that game, one of the best games ever by a player in the finals.

Another all-time great Brazilian soccer player has provided his opinion on Neymar and Messi. Back in 2012, Pele said, "Everyone is talking about Messi, he is a star. But to be the best ever he must first become better than Neymar. At the moment Messi is just more experienced."

Messi has five career goals in three World Cup appearances, while Neymar has four goals in his only appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not experienced as much success as Messi or Neymar at the World Cup level, but he doesn't play on a squad with as much talent. Cristiano Ronaldo has accomplished one thing that Neymar and Messi have yet to do: successfully score a goal in three separate World Cups.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi are all younger than the age of 30, so soccer fans are in store for a lot of great moments between the three in the upcoming years. At this point in their careers, Neymar may have to prove more to soccer fans that he's on the same level playing field as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

Most likely, he's up for that challenge.

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