'I'd have loved to play with Messi' - Ferdinand reveals his regret as player

Rio Ferdinand played with some of the best players in world football during his glittering career.

But the former Manchester United and England defender admits he has one regret - never playing alongside Lionel Messi.

"I've played with Ronaldo, I haven't played with Messi," Ferdinand said.

"I'd have loved to play with him as well. Being able to play with two of the best players ever, would've been a great thing to be able to say that.

"Pique has done that, he's lucky man.

"Would've loved to say I'd play with both."

Only a select few players have been able to call both team-mates, with Pique and former Manchester United loanee Henrik Larsson the only two to have played alongside the iconic duo at club level.

Ex-Manchester United stars Gabriel Heinze and Carlos Tevez, who played with Ferdinand and Ronaldo at Old Trafford, share the honour but only played with Messi at international level with Argentina.