The age-old debate: who is the greatest of all time? For years, we’ve been blessed to witness the on-pitch rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, or Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, these two legends have rewritten the history books and left us all chanting their names.
Ronaldo, known for his unyielding passion and dedication, has rarely tolerated the notion of being outdone. And yet, in a shocking admission, he confessed to one thing that his arch-nemesis excels at – his left foot! In 2016, ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where both were nominees, Ronaldo candidly shared his envy: “His left foot is pretty good – better than mine. I’d like to have his left foot.” Ouch!
But, surprisingly, Neymar Jr. jumped in to ease the tension, interjecting, “I’d take both of his feet!” Talk about diplomacy! Meanwhile, Messi, ever the gentleman, remained unapologetically unaware, responding, “Envy is a very negative trait. Cristiano has many great qualities which every player would like to have. We each have our individual styles.” Ah, the poise of the GOAT!
Since their incredible careers began, both have won numerous Ballon d’Or awards, with their rivalry cementing its place in the annals of football. In 2023, Messi took home his eighth and most recent award, surpassing the previous record. Additionally, he holds the record for most consecutive wins (4) and has been nominated a staggering 18 times for the prestigious trophy.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, has secured five Ballon d’Ors and boasts the most nominations (18) in history. As he exits the limelight, leaving an unparalleled legacy, it’s hard not to tip our hats to the sheer brilliance of these two football gods. Who’s your GOAT? Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the world of football and beyond!