Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to set the bar in world bar but with the duo supposedly entering the final years of their careers, the discussion over who will replace them at the top has rumbled on.

Having played alongside Messi and competed against Real Madrid‘s Ronaldo on several occasions, Barcelona legend Xavi is well aware of their supreme ability.

However, the Al-Sadd SC midfielder has taken it upon himself to nominate two players to take over from the two superstars who have 10 Ballons d’Or between them.

The 38-year-old believes Neymar will be one of the players to rise to the very top having played with him at the Nou Camp for two seasons before leaving for Qatar.

“I have a huge respect for him [Neymar],” Xavi told French media outlet RMC Sport. “He’s a fantastic footballer, when Messi and Cristiano lower their level, he will win the next Golden Ball.”

He went on to suggest that the Brazilian’s PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe will join him at the pinnacle of world football once Ronaldo and Messi’s powers wane.

“When Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo retire, the debate about the best in the world will be between Neymar and Mbappe.”