Griezmann: I am on Messi and Ronaldo’s level

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann believes he is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Griezmann, 27, took his game to new heights over the summer after clinching the World Cup with France – an achievement that both Ronaldo and Messi have so far failed to accomplish.

The Frenchman was instrumental in Les Bleus’ ascent to world dominance, scoring four goals across the seven matches he participated in, including one in the final against Croatia – he also registered two assists in Russia.

Griezmann now believes he is in the “top table” of global stars thanks to his exploits for both club and country and says he wants to be recognised in the upper echelons of world football.

“Am I at the top table with Ronaldo and Messi? Yes, I think I am now perceived in that light,” Griezmann told an interview with Diario AS (via Football Espana).

“There are lots of other players emerging and you have the likes of Neymar and Mbappe, but I am a different type of player and know I must continue to improve.

“My ambition is always to keep winning titles, and the World Cup was fulfilling a boyhood dream – whenever I saw that 1998 team lift the trophy.

“It is the same at club level and it was fantastic to win the Europa League and also the UEFA Super Cup – we want to continue on this path.

“My exclusion from The Best awards? It is a shame no French players included and that includes me but also Mbappe, Varane, Pogba, Kante…their performances in Russia have not been acknowledged.

“For me, the Ballon d’Or always holds more prestige and I would like that.”

Despite enjoying an unforgettable summer, Griezmann’s club form is yet to reach the heights of last season with the forward netting just one goal so far, as Los Colchoneros sit eighth in La Liga.

Diego Simeone’s side have endured a difficult start to the campaign, winning just once in four matches, and recently lost 2-0 to Celta de Vigo just before the international break before drawing 1-1 with Eibar on Saturday.

Griezmann can rectify his slow start by opening his European account when the capital club travel to the French Riviera to take on Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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