The debate about who is the goat of soccer is one of the topics that attracts the attention of fans, analysts and experts around the world. The two names that are constantly compared are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two top players with extraordinary achievements and distinct playing styles. So who among them really deserves the title of GOAT of football? Let’s find out and evaluate with Bestsoccertips.com through the following aspects: personal achievements, contributions to clubs and national teams, global influence and the ability to maintain peak performance through the article below!
Who is the goat of soccer?
Cristiano Ronaldo
The first player worthy of consideration for the GOAT title is none other than Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo. His intense passion and unrelenting drive for football has helped Ronaldo become a household name worldwide, recognized even among non-football fans. With a series of titles and impressive records, Cristiano Ronaldo has affirmed his place in football history.
He still maintains excellent form at the highest level, winning numerous national championships, Ballon d’Or awards, and UEFA Champions League titles. His hard-working ethic and relentless dedication to practicing his skills have earned Ronaldo the admiration and respect of fans and pundits alike, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
Lionel Messi
Every great list is indispensable for global superstar Lionel Messi besides Cristiano Ronaldo. In the 21st century, Messi and Ronaldo have completely changed the concept of being the greatest player in football. Messi has reached new heights in popularity, capable of selling out tickets at MLS stadiums and creating a wave of enthusiasm in the hearts of fans everywhere he goes. His outstanding performances and relentless dedication built a great legacy, leading to the birth of a new concept called the ‘Messi Effect’.
The Messi effect refers to his strong influence in cohesion and attracting the attention of fans around the globe. With countless individual titles, multiple Ballon d’Or and a series of championships with teams, Messi has proven his incredible influence, making him a good candidate for the GOAT title.
Who is the goat of football Messi or Ronaldo?
Personal achievements
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both living legends of football, leaving a deep mark in history with a series of personal records and noble titles, especially the number of Golden Balls. Messi is currently the owner of the most Golden Balls with 7 titles, while Ronaldo is not far behind with 5 titles. These awards reflect not only their outstanding talent but also the stability and consistency of both over the seasons, despite the extremely fierce competition from other generations of players.
Messi stands out with his skillful playing style, exquisite dribbling ability and excellent tactical vision. He is the best scorer in La Liga history and a legend of Barcelona. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is a complete player with physical strength, incredible speed and the ability to score from any position on the field. He has become the player with the most goals in the history of the UEFA Champions League, an extremely impressive achievement. With different but equally effective playing characteristics, Messi and Ronaldo have set a new standard for the next generation of players, and the race between them has become a legendary story in football.
Contributions to the club and the national team
During his club career, Messi has helped Barcelona become one of the greatest teams in history, with numerous La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles. After moving to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, he continued to show impressive form and strongly influenced his new team. In addition, Messi also helped the Argentina team win the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, two proud achievements that he has pursued throughout his career.
Ronaldo, no less great, has proven his worth in three major tournaments, including the Premier League (Manchester United), La Liga (Real Madrid) and Serie A (Juventus), bringing these teams many important titles. He also became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Portuguese national team, playing a major role in winning the Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. His contributions not only at the club level but also at the national team level have helped Ronaldo cement his position as one of the greatest players of all time.
Global influence
Messi and Ronaldo stand out not only for their football talent but also for their far-reaching influence globally. The “Messi effect” is a term that reflects the great attention he attracts, from selling out MLS stadiums to the fan frenzy whenever he plays. Messi not only brings spiritual value to fans but also contributes to creating economic impact, from ticket sales to attractive advertising contracts.
Ronaldo, with the brand “CR7”, has built himself a global icon not only in the world of football but also in the entertainment and commercial industries. His Instagram account has a huge following, and Ronaldo has always used his name to sign advertising contracts with famous brands. Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond football, as he has become an ideal role model for work ethic, perseverance and commitment, inspiring generations of young players around the world.
Ability to maintain form
What sets Messi and Ronaldo apart from the rest is their ability to maintain peak performance over many years. While most players can only maintain excellence for a few short years, both Messi and Ronaldo have been able to maintain their ability to score goals and play at a high level even into their 30s. This is a testament to their care for their bodies, their commitment to their craft and their ability to adapt.
Messi continues to shine with his intelligent and creative style of play, despite moves to PSG and Inter Miami. The versatility in playing style shows innate talent and great adaptation to the new environment. Meanwhile, Ronaldo still retains his speed, power and sharp finishing ability even after moving to play in Saudi Arabia. Both have constantly improved themselves, demonstrated perseverance and affirmed their worth in each match, making an indispensable part of football history.
Conclusion
So who is the goat of soccer is still a question that has no reasonable answer, because each has their own reasons to deserve this title. Messi is a symbol of creativity and natural talent, while Ronaldo is an example of relentless effort and determination. Their achievements and influence are undeniable, and perhaps the title of GOAT is something that both of them deserve. In the end, the answer may depend on the personal preferences of each fan, but no one can deny that Messi and Ronaldo are both great legends of world football.
See also: Has Ronaldo won a World Cup with Portugal?
