While the Portugal international is close to perfection, the Reds manager prefers the Barcelona magician.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp prefers Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo, even though he said the Juventus star was close to a “perfect player”.

Barcelona great Messi and Ronaldo are widely considered two of the greatest players of all-time, although just who is better continues to be debated .

While Klopp prefers Messi, the German paid tribute to both for their era of dominance, which has seen them win 11 of the past 12 Ballons d’Or.

Klopp lauded Ronaldo’s physical build, but said Messi was able to produce his magic while making it look so easy.

“For me Messi, but I couldn’t admire Ronaldo more than I do already,” Klopp told YouTube channel freekickerz.

“The explanation is the following. We’ve played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend.