A Real Madrid legend has chosen Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the ongoing GOAT debate, citing Messi’s numerous Ballon d’Or victories to justify the decision. Messi and Argentina celebrated another triumph by defeating Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive extra-time goal. Messi, who had to be substituted in the second half due to injury, watched as his team excelled without him, a feat they had previously struggled to achieve.
A former Real Madrid star expressed his views on the GOAT debate. (REUTERS) A former Real Madrid star expressed his views on the GOAT debate. (REUTERS) Ultimately, Messi secured his second consecutive Copa America title. This victory has sparked comparisons between this Argentine squad and the Spanish team from 2008-12, which won consecutive European Championships and a World Cup. Argentina, having also won the 2022 World Cup against Kylian Mbappe’s France, now aim to defend their title in 2026.
After Argentina’s victory, the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo reignited. In contrast, Ronaldo’s Portugal was eliminated by France in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final and failed to make a significant impact in the 2022 World Cup. Although Ronaldo led Portugal to a Euro 2016 victory, he was injured early in the final and had to be replaced.
Reflecting on Argentina’s Copa America success, Angel Di Maria, a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, shared his thoughts on the GOAT debate. “Ultimately, the best is the one with the most Ballon d’Or titles, and Messi has eight. For me, this creates a noticeable gap between him and Cristiano,” he stated.
Following Portugal’s defeat to France, Ronaldo was seen comforting Pepe, who retired after the match. Neither Ronaldo nor Messi has announced their retirement yet.
Meanwhile, Messi is currently sidelined with a ligament injury. During Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC, he was seen in the stands with his family, wearing a walking boot on his right ankle.
Providing an update on Messi’s condition after the match, head coach Tata Martino commented, “The club’s medical report indicates that his recovery will be assessed on a week-by-week basis.”
“We will monitor his progress carefully without taking unnecessary risks,” he added.
