Lionel Messi opens up on 'GOAT' debate with fellow legend Cristiano Ronaldo: 'It's always been a great battle…'

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo aren’t just the leading players of their generation – they are widely considered among the greatest to have ever played football, and their rivalry among the most intense in sporting history. Choosing the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ (GOAT) between the two thus is a fierce debate.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as two of the best footballers of their generation, and among the greatest to have ever played the ‘Beautiful Game’. The two began their senior careers in a span of a couple of years and would go on to share what is one of the greatest rivalries in sporting history. And choosing the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ (GOAT) between the two global superstars is among the most fiercely-debated topics in sport.

Ronaldo and Messi are two of the highest goal-scorers in football history – whether in international or club football or both. Portuguese legend Ronaldo, who has represented iconic clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus and currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, is currently ahead in terms of goal count – overall as well as the club and country categories.

Barcelona legend Messi, who has also represented Paris Saint-Germain and currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, leads Ronaldo when it comes to the awards – whether it’s the ‘Ballon d’or’ (8 to 5) or ‘The Best FIFA Men’s Player’ (3 to 2).

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