Lewis Hamilton didn't hesitate when asked to pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate

Lewis Hamilton didn't hesitate when asked to decide between footballing icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair have been pitted against each other for years when it comes to deciding who is the game's greatest-ever star.

Ronaldo, 39, recently reached the staggering feat of 900 career goals and is still plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.

Messi too has ventured away from Europe, with the Argentina forward now an MLS player with David Beckham's side, Inter Miami.

Hamilton, who has won a joint-record seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, knows a thing or two about success at the top level of sport and recently gave his opinion on the widely-debated topic.

"Messi or Ronaldo? Messi! They're both amazing to be honest, but I'm a Messi fan in the end," said Hamilton when asked who he prefered.

Despite having never met Messi in the flesh, Hamilton has, in the past, been spotted with Ronaldo as the pair cosied up at the Monaco GP back in 2019.

An avid football fan, Hamilton supports Arsenal and was often seen playing on a football pitch whilst growing up.

Often snapped at the Emirates, the 39-year-old has previously spoke about his long-standing love affair with the Gunners.

Lewis Hamilton- Getty

"When I was young, around the corner from where I lived, I used to play football with all the kids and a couple of close friends at the time. I really wanted to fit in. I was the only kid of colour there," Hamilton said.

"I knew all the kids supported someone different, one was Tottenham Hotspur, one was Manchester United. I remember switching between these teams when I was younger and getting home and my sister Sam punching me several times in the arm, basically beat me, saying 'You have to support Arsenal!'

"I remember 5, 6 years old that I then became a supporter of Arsenal. But my Uncle Terry is a big Blues fan, so I've been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play.

"Ultimately I'm a sporting fan -- it is the biggest sport in the world and Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world and most successful."