Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo included as top 10 ranking of all-time greatest sports stars goes viral

The greatest athletes of all time list is going viral and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo unsurprisingly dominate.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has refused to let his rival's success get to him, having plundered 15 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions, registering a further nine assists.

The pair's exceptional careers have ben rewarded with the number one and two spot on Pubity Sports' 'Top 10 greatest Athletes', with Messi coming out on top.

The rest of the top 10 is made up of Mohammed Ali, Michael Jordan, Virat Kohli, Usain Bolt, Mike Tyson, Lebron James, Serena Williams, Michael Phelps.

Interestingly, the likes of Diego Maradona and Pele miss out.

The debate over who is better between Messi and Ronaldo has raged on for decades and will no doubt continue long after they retire.

However, Ronaldo recently admitted his rivalry with Lionel Messi "is gone," with the pair having already "changed the history of football."

"Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing.

"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don't see the rivalry like that.

"We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I'm not saying we're friends, I've never had dinner with him, but we're professional colleagues and we respect each other."