Ronaldinho refused to name Lionel Messi as the GOAT and claimed three players could be even better than him

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player to ever kick a ball, however, former teammate Ronaldinho snubbed the Argentinian when asked to name the GOAT.

The GOAT debate is something that comes with every professional sport, however, in football, it seems as though it is a topic of conversation each and every day.

This is largely down to the fact two of the biggest contenders for the crown have been battling it out in the same era.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have had the entire sport in a chokehold for the past two decades, with the pair sharing the Ballon d'Or award exclusively from 2008 to 2017.

However, Messi's victory at the 2022 World Cup ended the debate for many, but Ronaldinho isn't convinced it's that simple.

He told Marca in 2024: "I’m glad Messi won the Ballon d’Or. We were also friends during our time at Barcelona. But I don’t like to compare, and I find it difficult to say he is the best of all time."

Still, the former Brazil icon did suggest Messi is the greatest of his generation, putting him just ahead of Ronaldo.

Looking at the history of football, though, Ronaldinho could not neglect some of the most impressive players of bygone eras.

He added: "There was Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo [Nazario]... it’s hard to say that Messi is the best throughout the history of football. I can only say he is the best of his era."

Both Diego Maradona and Pele are two of the most successful players and most talented individuals of the 20th Century.

Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi for Barcelona- Getty

Brazil striker, Ronaldo, meanwhile, emerged as one of the most prolific and naturally gifted forwards of the 1990s and early 2000s, however, injuries significantly hindered career.

Despite Ronaldinho's reluctance to pick him as the GOAT, Messi still has lots of respect for his former teammate.

The Argentina legend insists Ronaldinho was responsible for turning around the fortunes of Barcelona and making them a successful club once more.

Messi claims "Barca should always be grateful for everything [Ronaldinho] did," and praised the way the Brazilian brought happiness to the Nou Camp.