Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two names that divide the footballing world like no other. The two superstars of the modern era have placed themselves as stalwarts of the game and there are very few footballing minds in the world that does not take one’s side over the other. Let’s take a look at where the loyalties of former footballers and pundits lie in respect to the debate between the two G.O.A.Ts (greatest of all time).
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Messi and Ronaldo have both scored over 800 goals in their long, illustrious career for both club and country. Their goal scoring spree, which is still ongoing, is unmatched in the modern era. The two players have met on 36 occasions throughout their respective careers, with Messi holds a slight advantage in terms of winning percentage.
Most former footballers and pundits prefer one over the other. It is no surprise that they use their own interpretation to justify their choice. Take Pele for example. During an interview with a Youtube channel, Pele had previously said, “Today the best player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo..I think he’s the best, because he’s more consistent.”
Argentina great Maradona had a different opinion when asked about the debate. the 1986 World Cup winner kept his countrymen Messi ahead of the Portuguese magnifico. “I can’t remember having seen Lionel Messi play badly. I prefer Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo but I acknowledge that the latter is an animal,” Maradona had said.
Italian defender Fabio Canavaro was recently asked about his preference regarding Messi and Ronaldo. “Ronaldo,” replied Canavaro, who is still the last defender to win a Ballon d’Or.
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes placed Messi slightly ahead of Ronaldo, but claimed Ronaldo is ‘sensational’.
Another Premier League midfielder Frank Lampard admitted he has always been a fan of Messi but crowned Ronaldo as the ‘greatest ever’.
Many other former footballers including Roberto Carlos and Marco Van Basten have voted towards Ronaldo being the better of the two. However, other footballing greats like Ronaldo Nazario, Diego Simeone and Fabio Cappello has chosen Messi.
The debate is a never ending one. As long as these two keep breaking new records for their respective clubs and countries, we’re not complaining!
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