Quote from Alex bobby on October 12, 2024, 4:57 AM

The debate over who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football continues to divide fans, pundits, and even players. While opinions vary, former Chelsea and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has recently weighed in, picking Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo as his choice for the GOAT.

Robben’s Take: Messi Over Ronaldo

Robben, who has played against both Messi and Ronaldo during his illustrious career, explained his reasoning in an interview. According to the Dutchman, Messi’s simplicity on the pitch sets him apart. He highlighted how Messi doesn’t rely on unnecessary tricks or showmanship to dominate a game. Instead, the Argentine maestro makes everything look effortless, using his speed, intelligence, and unparalleled skill to outwit defenders.

“Messi doesn’t use tricks. He does everything quickly and efficiently on the pitch,” Robben remarked. This view aligns with the sentiments of many football enthusiasts who believe Messi’s ability to influence games with his natural talent and football IQ makes him unique.

Robben's admiration for Messi comes from the consistency with which the Argentine international has delivered at the highest level throughout his career. Whether it’s his dribbling, playmaking, or goal-scoring prowess, Messi has constantly wowed the football world without relying on elaborate techniques to prove his greatness.

The Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry: Dominating Football for Two Decades

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has shaped modern football conversations for nearly 20 years. The two legends have redefined success, consistency, and longevity, sparking debates around dinner tables and across social media platforms worldwide. Both players boast impressive statistics, multiple titles, and individual accolades that make the comparison difficult.

Between them, they have won a staggering 13 Ballon d’Or awards, with Messi recently claiming his eighth, extending his lead over Ronaldo, who has five. Their dominance on the international stage is equally significant, with Messi winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022 for Argentina, while Ronaldo led Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

While Messi and Ronaldo are considered to be among the greatest players ever to grace the sport, their styles of play are remarkably different. Messi is often praised for his creativity, vision, and incredible dribbling, while Ronaldo is known for his athleticism, power, and deadly finishing ability. These contrasts in style are at the heart of the GOAT debate.

Jay-Jay Okocha’s Opinion: Messi Edges It

Another legendary player who has given his opinion on the GOAT debate is Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, former Nigerian captain and one of Africa’s most revered footballers. In a recent interview, Okocha leaned towards Messi in the rivalry, explaining that the Argentine’s all-around ability to dictate the flow of games sets him apart from Ronaldo.

Okocha, like many others, acknowledges the greatness of both players but believes that Messi’s consistent brilliance in playmaking, scoring, and assisting over such a long period gives him the edge. The Nigerian icon also emphasized that Messi’s career has been more about enhancing the overall performance of his team rather than focusing solely on individual achievements.

A Debate with No Clear End

The Messi-Ronaldo debate shows no signs of slowing down, even as both players approach the twilight of their careers. For fans of Messi, his incredible technical skill, unmatched vision, and leadership on the field make him the GOAT. For Ronaldo supporters, his relentless work ethic, adaptability across different leagues, and undeniable goal-scoring ability solidify his place as the greatest.

However, as more former players like Robben and Okocha weigh in on the debate, it becomes clear that personal preferences and playing styles significantly influence opinions. Messi’s more subtle, refined approach is adored by players who appreciate football as an art, while Ronaldo’s explosive, goal-driven style appeals to those who admire physical prowess and determination.

Conclusion

Arjen Robben and Austin Okocha are just two voices in the ongoing Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, but their insights highlight the key aspects that make Messi stand out for them. With eight Ballon d’Ors, a World Cup, and countless magical moments, Messi continues to captivate fans and players alike. Yet, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest scorers in the history of football ensures the debate will live on for generations to come.

Bale was asked to rank his top five forwards in a blind ranking challenge in a YouTube video with Futcrunch and this forced him to choose between Messi and Ronaldo.

The Welshman opted for Ronaldo in the No 1 spot and named Messi in second place.

Bale announced his shock retirement from football last year, after playing for Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Ultimately, the GOAT debate may never have a definitive answer, but one thing is certain—both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on football history.