Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate settled once and for all by AI

We asked AI to settle the infamous Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate and the results are in.

Ronaldo and Messi have shared the footballing stage for over over 15 years, with Luka Modric the only player to interrupt their 10-year Ballon d'Or supremacy in 2018.

Messi won the prestigious award for the eighth time earlier this month, cementing his legacy as perhaps the greatest footballer of all time.

The Argentinian captained his country to World Cup glory in Qatar and helped his new club Inter Miami to lift their first ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup in August.

While Ronaldo has not achieved quite such accolades, he has been in prolific form for Al Nassr since arriving in the Middle East.

To help settle the debate, which will no doubt rage on for years to come, we asked AI who is the real GOAT.

Though ChatGPT, here is a breakdown of the two forwards through several key points.

"The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest football (soccer) player of all time is one that has sparked passionate discussions among fans, analysts, and experts," said ChatGPT.

"Both players are extraordinary talents with unique strengths, and opinions on who is better can vary widely. Here's a breakdown of some key points for both Messi and Ronaldo:

Lionel Messi:

"Dribbling and Close Control: Messi is renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills, close ball control, and ability to navigate through tight spaces with ease.

"Playmaking: Messi is not just a goal-scorer; he's also a brilliant playmaker with a high number of assists. His vision and passing ability often set up his teammates for scoring opportunities.

"Consistency: Messi has consistently performed at an elite level for over a decade, consistently being a top goal-scorer and assisting in various competitions.

"Natural Talent: Messi's dribbling, balance, and agility appear almost innate, giving him an unparalleled ability to influence matches."

Image credit: Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo:

"Athleticism and Versatility: Ronaldo's physical attributes, including speed, strength, and aerial ability, make him a versatile player capable of playing in various attacking roles.

"Goal-Scoring: Ronaldo is renowned for his incredible goal-scoring ability, both with his feet and his head. He consistently ranks among the top goal-scorers in different leagues.

"Work Ethic and Adaptability: Ronaldo's dedication to training and improvement, as well as his ability to adapt his playing style as he aged, have allowed him to remain dominant over an extended period.

"Consistency and Longevity: Similar to Messi, Ronaldo has maintained a high level of performance for a prolonged period, adapting his game to different teams and leagues.

"Ultimately, choosing between Messi and Ronaldo often comes down to personal preferences and what qualities one values most in a football player. Both players have achieved remarkable feats and have left an indelible mark on the sport. It's important to appreciate their unique styles and contributions to the game rather than attempting to definitively settle the debate, as it's likely to remain a matter of subjective opinion."

So, there you have it... not even AI can split Ronaldo and Messi.