Retired treble winner claims he could have been in GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi but 'didn't feel like it'

One retired treble winner has claimed he could’ve been as good as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Over the years, both Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the football world with both playing for some of the top clubs in Europe.

After claiming the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, many fans felt Messi had now become the undisputed GOAT of football.

However, Ronaldo fans will always pledge their support to the Portuguese five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Back in 2022, one retired star which won the treble at Inter Milan under Jose Mourinho, claimed he could’ve been as good as Ronaldo and Messi but didn’t feel like it.

The player in question is former Real Madrid and Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder.

He told Gianluca di Marzio: “I could have become like Messi or Ronaldo. I simply didn't feel like it. I enjoyed my life, maybe I had a glass [of wine] at dinner. Leo and Cristiano are different, they have made many sacrifices.

“And that's fine with me, my career however, was still amazing.”

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Sneijder also won Eredivisie, La Liga and Super Lig titles with Ajax, Real Madrid and Galatasaray respectively, and won the Silver Boot and Bronze Ball awards at the 2010 World Cup.

When asked about the best teammate he ever played with, Sneijder chose Spanish legend Guti, he said: “When I started at Real Madrid, he didn't talk to me for three months, because he ended up on the bench because of me. But then we started playing together and we had an incredible understanding.

“He's a phenomenal player, probably the best I've ever played with.”

Ronaldo is now playing for Saudi Arabian side Al Nasser after leaving European football in 2023.

Meanwhile, Messi ditched Europe for the United States by signing for MLS side Inter Miami.