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Clifford compares Ronaldo and Messi to LeBron and Curry

Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford is in a better position than most to make NBA comparisons and he did that with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford is in a better position than most to make NBA comparisons and he did just that with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

In modern-day football, no one comes close to Real Madrid's Ronaldo and Barcelona rival Messi, who are the all-time leading goalscorers for their respectively clubs.

Arguably the two greatest players of all-time, the phenomenal duo are often compared to legendary pair Pele and Diego Maradona.

Ronaldo - preparing for the Euro 2016 final with Portugal - and Argentina's five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi have also been compared to some of basketball's best, with Clifford - a known Manchester United supporter - likening the two stars to the Cleveland Cavaliers' three-time NBA champion LeBron James and reigning MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

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"Ronaldo would be like ... he would be LeBron. Or Kevin Durant or Steph Curry. He's the best player - now I would say from a money standpoint and everything and endorsements, I don't know how much he makes, but I'm sure it's pretty incredible," Clifford told ESPN.

"Messi, to me, that's a better one [to compare]. I would say Messi of the current players would be more like Steph.

"You know, totally skilled-based. Not as physically imposing. I would say Ronaldo would be more like LeBron. Obviously a great skill level, but also Ronaldo's speed and strength is also so exceptional."

As a fan of both basketball and football, Clifford was asked who he would start a team with and the 54-year-old's response was diplomatic.

"Oh man. It's like when people say who would you want: LeBron or Steph? If you could get either one of them you'd be happy," he added.

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"Look, if you could have either one of those guys you just take it and you have a smile on your face."

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