Cristiano Ronaldo names the one player he ranks alongside himself and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate

Cristiano Ronaldo named the one player he ranks alongside himself and Lionel Messi in the debate for the greatest player of all time.

Last November the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan was aired, in which the star was deeply critical of Manchester United owners the Glazers, and manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo also admitted he felt “betrayed” by the Old Trafford club, while he was scathing of former team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.

The Portugal star’s comments about his relationship with long-time rival Messi also caused a stir.

The Goat debate

While discussing seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, Ronaldo also referenced another player he would consider one of the greatest players he has seen - Zinedine Zidane.

When Morgan asked Ronaldo about the best player he’d ever seen, excluding himself, the Portugal star said: “Probably [Messi], yes.

“Him [and] Zidane probably - that I have played and fought with.”

Zidane is undoubtedly one of the modern greats. The former France international also has a close relationship with Ronaldo having managed the forward to three consecutive Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.

On Messi

Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the last 15 years of European football and have been in close competition for individual honours and club silverware throughout their careers.

The pair are considered to be two of the greatest players of all time, while many consider the status as football’s GOAT to be between the pair. In turn, it has long been presumed that there is animosity between the duo.

Ronaldo insisted this was not the case, however, and that their relationship is more like that of a teammate.

Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: “Amazing player, he is magic,”

“As a person, we share the stage 16 years, imagine, 16 years. we share.

“So, I have a great relationship with him. I'm not a friend of his in terms of, what I mean friend is the guy who was with you in your house, speaking on the phone, no, but it's like a team-mate.

“He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me. Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect and they're from Argentina.

“My girlfriend is from Argentina. So good. What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.”

Topics: Football, Argentina, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Manchester United

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.