Cristiano Ronaldo is good but I prefer Lionel Messi, admits Gheorghe Hagi

Lionel Messi is the best player in the world according to former virtuoso Gheorghe Hagi, who has been speaking ahead of Barcelona's final preseason friendly against Dinamo Bucharest.

The 47-year-old featured for both the Catalans and Real Madrid in a glittering career spanning almost two decades, and revealed before Saturday's friendly, his preference for the Argentine star.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is very good, but I prefer Messi. He's amazing." Hagi told reporters.

"Not only for what he does on the field but also because he is a role model and, in these times [that] is very important for children."

When queried about his prediction for the upcoming Supercopa clash against Real Madrid, the former Galatasaray midfielder remained on the fence.

He continued: "Barca has marked an era. What [Pep] Guardiola has done is impressive."

Tito Vilanova's men take on Dinamo at the National Stadium on Saturday.