Luis Figo gave fascinating response when asked to settled the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate

Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has offered his opinion on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi 'greatest of all time' debate.

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is perhaps one of the most fierce in all of sports, with fans of both players often clashing as they argue which of the pair is the greatest footballer of all time.

While fans of Ronaldo will argue that the Portuguese striker has more goals than his rival, many others believe that the Argentine forward finally settled the debate by winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

And now, legend of the sport Figo has had his say on the debate while discussing the talents of Ronaldo, who he briefly played alongside for the Portuguese national team.

Figo played with Ronaldo during the final years of his international career with Portugal, making 23 appearances together and combining to score four goals for their country.

And while speaking to GiveMeSport about his former teammate, Figo weighed in on the debate over who between Ronaldo and Messi is the greatest player of all time.

Figo said: "I think he (Ronaldo) has made his history and is making history in football, maybe he will be remembered as one of the best of all time.

"It's always subjective to talk about who is the best in this generation because you have Messi and some other players.

"But for sure he (Ronaldo) will be remembered as one of the best football players of all time.

Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo have 23 appearances together. (Image: Getty)

"We can say yes, but always with respect to Messi and the other ones that have a lot of talent."

Both Messi and Ronaldo 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, winning four in a row between 2009 and 2012, meanwhile Ronaldo holds the record for the most nominations for the coveted trophy having been listed as a potential winner eighteen times.

Figo also has won the coveted award, having been presented with the Ballon d'Or in November 2000 shortly after his controversial transfer from Barcelona to rivals Real Madrid.