Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Saudi Pro League, MLS
Luke Davies
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Saudi Pro League, MLS
A former Argentina international has voiced his thoughts on why Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi in an interesting interview.
Messi, 37, and Ronaldo, 39, are widely considered to be the two best footballers of all time.
The Argentinian is currently at David Beckham-owned Inter Miami - playing in the MLS. While Ronaldo turns out for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
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The GOAT (greatest of all time) debate is one that will be discussed for generations to come.
Fans of Messi often cite the fact he has won eight Ballon d’Or crowns compared to Ronaldo’s five.
Supporters of the Portuguese lean on the fact the 39-year-old has won trophies in five countries - when playing for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr.
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While Messi has only captured silverware in three countries - from his time at Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami.
But, of course, he does have a World Cup winners medal to show for his efforts in Qatar in 2022, with Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 crown his best achievement on the international stage.
There’s arguably no correct answer. Usually, Argentina and Barcelona fans side with Messi, while Real Madrid and Portugal supporters back Ronaldo.
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However, a former Argentina goalkeeper has snubbed his countryman and dubbed Ronaldo as “better than Messi” in a recent interview with La Nacion.
Hugo Gatti, 80, played for several clubs – including Boca Juniors and River Plate – as well as boasting 18 caps for Argentina in a career spanning over two decades between 1962 and 1988.
But despite both representing Argentina, he gave his reasons why he thinks Ronaldo has the edge over Messi.
“Today, he’s already one less,” Gatti said.
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“He’s playing country-club soccer in the United States.”
“It’s tougher playing there [in the Saudi Pro League]," he added.
"Everyone plays there. They chase you; they’ll kill you. Cristiano, even limited, is a phenomenon. Limited, he’s better than Messi.
“And he’s limited because he doesn’t have Messi’s natural talent, but he played for the best teams in the world. Where did Messi play? Barca and the Argentina national team. Messi never challenged himself by playing for other teams, in other countries. And he had the opportunities, you know?