The Greatest of All Time: Pele’s Verdict on Messi and Ronaldo
When it comes to debating who’s the best soccer player of all time, there’s no shortage of opinions. However, one legendary player who’s seen it all – Pele – has weighed in on the matter. The three-time World Cup winner was recently asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and his answer might surprise you.
First, Pele made a point that’s often overlooked in the debate: the importance of team play. "Scoring is important, no doubt, but if you don’t have anyone to prepare, then the ball is not enough," he said. "For my team, I prefer Messi." It’s no secret that Messi is known for his incredible vision and ability to create chances for his teammates, making him a complete player.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, is renowned for his clinical finishing and goal-scoring prowess. While he’s undoubtedly a great player, Pele believes Messi edges him out in terms of overall quality. "Ronaldo’s a great goalscorer, but in terms of the complete player, there’s no doubt that Messi is the best."
Pele’s endorsement of Messi isn’t a surprise, given his own incredible achievements on the pitch. The Brazilian legend is one of the most successful players in history, with three World Cup titles and over 1,000 goals scored. He’s also been recognized as the FIFA Player of the Century, alongside Diego Maradona.
So, what’s the takeaway from Pele’s verdict? It’s clear that he values Messi’s ability to control the game and create chances for his teammates. While Ronaldo is an incredible goal-scorer, Pele believes Messi is the more complete player. Ultimately, the debate will continue to rage on, but it’s hard to argue with Pele’s credentials.
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