Rio Ferdinand didn't hesitate when asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate, and he didn't hold back.

In sport, fans are always looking for the 'greatest of all time,' with names like Michael Schumacher, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods all notable examples of athletes regarded as the best in their sport.

But in football, it isn't straightforward as fans across the world cannot agree which of Ronaldo or Messi is the greatest footballer of all time, with both men suitable options.

And now, United and England icon Ferdinand has had his say on which of the two men should take the title of the best, and he didn't hesitate.

While speaking on the TNT Sports YouTube channel in 2021, Ferdinand was asked which of Ronaldo and Messi he believed to be the greatest of all time.

The former defender replied: "Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi? I feel that we should just enjoy them. They're here, we're blessed to be a part of this generation that can sit and watch them and play against, I was fortunate enough to do that.

"And they're different players to me. One is just an out and out goalscorer and one of them is more involved in the game.

"I think Messi is the one who likes to get involved in the game and can play the final pass but also his numbers in terms of goals are ridiculous.

"And Cristiano is just obsessed with scoring goals and being the person that decides the match."

Throughout his 21 year career, Messi has scored an incredible 849 goals and registered 378 assists in 1080 appearances for club and country.

Comparatively, Ronaldo has 908 goals and 255 assists in 1249 appearances across his 22 year career.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered the two greatest footballers of all time. (Image: Getty)

This means that, while Ronaldo has more goals in total, Messi actually has a better goals per minute ratio than the Portuguese striker.

Both men have won more Ballon d'Or awards than any other player, with the Argentine claiming an impressive eight, the most recent being the 2023 award, and Ronaldo winning five.

Messi is also the record holder for most consecutive wins, claiming four in a row between 2009 and 2012, while Ronaldo holds the record for the most nominations having been listed as a potential winner eighteen times.