The two most iconic sporting personalities in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, have been long hailed as the best players to have ever played soccer. They are at the center of a long-standing argument over the Greatest of all-time tag, with fans of both players fervently claiming their favorite as the GOAT.
Having already surpassed the prime stages of their careers, the legendary duo moved out of Europe in 2023. Messi took his talents to America in the MLS, while Cristiano chose Saudi Arabia as their respective future destination. Recently, Brazilian legendary striker Ronaldo Nazario once again shared his choice between the two.
Ronaldo picks Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo Nazario, who played for the biggest clubs in the world—Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and AC Milan—during his playing days, is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest strikers of all time. Known for his pace, skill, dribbling, goal-scoring prowess, and powerful spontaneity, he was a complete forward.
Additionally, Ronaldo Nazario was a pivotal part of the iconic Brazil national team that lifted the FIFA World Cup and won the Copa America twice. Nazario has shared his verdict on the GOAT debate between the Argentine talisman and the Portuguese superstar.
The 47-year-old stuck to his earlier response, dubbing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as the best, especially following his FIFA Best Men’s Player 2023 award earlier this year. During a quick-fire quiz segment with Mail Sport, the Brazilian World Cup winner was asked “Messi or Ronaldo,” and he answered, “Messi.”
Previously, Ronaldo Nazario had snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo off his list of the greatest XI in football history. However, on this occasion, when asked to name his greatest first-eleven, he has included the Al-Nassr captain in the front alongside himself and Lionel Messi, completing the attacking front three.
Ronaldo claims Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or win after Real Madrid move
PSG megastar Kylian Mbappe is on the verge of leaving Parc des Princes to move to the Spanish capital and sign with La Liga giants Real Madrid. Former Galactico Ronaldo Nazario has commented on the saga.
Nazario has tipped the Frenchman as one of the best players currently and encouraged his intention to join Los Blancos and play at the Santiago Bernabeu. He said, “We have to wait until it’s official before talking about it in detail, but everyone is excited about Kylian Mbappe in Madrid.”
He also claimed that moving to Real Madrid would significantly increase Mbappe’s chances of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, after finishing third in the voting behind Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi, last year.
He stated further, “He is an amazing player. He is going to be one of the best players at this moment. I think it’s a very good choice for him if he joins Madrid. I think he will finally get the Ballon d’Or if he joins Real.”
What’s your take on Ronaldo Nazario’s perspective on the GOAT debate?
