Chile and Bayern Munich hardman Arturo Vidal has cast his verdict on who the best player in the world is.

For years Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have done battle in La Liga and during the Ballon d’Or awards but as debate continues to rage on Vidal has named who he believes is the best in the business.

‘Everybody knows what Messi is: he is the best player in the world,’ Vidal told Goal.

Vidal was responding to comments about his suggestions that Argentina were a better side without the Barcelona superstar.

‘I said that because in that game [a 2-1 defeat for Chile] Argentina came out with intensity and started to pressure us, unlike in other games. But with Messi on the pitch everything changes.’

Vidal will miss the Copa semi-final against Colombia due to suspension while Argentina must beat the USA to advance to the final.

Vidal was a key player for his club Bayern Munich this term as he netted seven goals and assisted a further eight from his 48 appearances.