Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo have found place in the greatest team of all time announced by France Football -- Ballon D'or Dream Team.
Having cancelled its annual Ballon d'Or award for the world's best footballer because of the COVID-19, the weekly magazine instead has announced its best XI in history, as voted by journalists from 170 countries and regions.
"For me it is an honour to have been included in the eleven of the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. I want to thank you for choosing me and also congratulate all the players who were selected ... and all the nominees, there are real phenomena on that list," Messi said in an Instagram post.
Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup winner and dual Ballon d'Or recipient, expressed pride at being named in the No 9 position.
"It's such an honour to be elected the best centre forward of all time in the Dream Team by France Football," Ronaldo said on Instagram. Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d'Or five times, added, "I'm very honoured to be part of France Football's all-time 11. What an amazing Dream Team. They all deserve my respect and admiration and I'm obviously proud to be amongst such extraordinary players. Thank you!"
The line-up includes Brazil's three-time World Cup winner Pele and legendary Argentinian Diego Maradona, who passed away last month. The team also includes goalkeeper Lev Yashin; defenders Cafu, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini; and mid-fielders Xavi and Lothar Matthaus.
FULL DREAM TEAM
Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin
Defenders: Cafu, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini
Midfielders: Lothar Matthaus, Xavi, Pele and Maradona
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, and Cristiano Ronaldo
