Fans think the Lionel Messi/Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate is over if Messi goes to the MLS

Football fans believe the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is over if the former chooses to move to the MLS.

Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires next summer, with speculation surrounding his future growing.

There are said to be three options for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner right now. Those are remain at PSG, make an emotional return to Barcelona or move to America and play for Inter Miami.

The Athletic claim that Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham and managed by Phil Neville, are increasingly confident of signing Messi after holding discussions with the Argentina international.

Messi has previously stated he would like to play Stateside before the end of his career.

The report has a lot of people on social media talking, however. Messi is 35 and has spent the last two seasons playing in France.

Ligue 1 is viewed as the weakest of Europe's top five leagues due to the wealth at PSG's disposal compared to every other team.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is 37 and returned to the Premier League with Manchester United in 2021. He scored 24 goals in all competitions, including 18 in the league.

The Portugal international attempted to leave United in the summer but only received one offer, from a team in Saudi Arabia. It's said Ronaldo rejected that as he still wants to play Champions League football.

Many claim Messi is taking the 'easy way out' when it comes to his career, while Ronaldo wants to remain at the top level for as long as possible.

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One person said: "Lionel Messi is actually doing everything they said Cristiano Ronaldo would do, went to Ligue 1 to stat pad and now is going to MLS to retire at 35."

A second put: "Messi running away to MLS to statpad at 35 while Ronaldo was winning the league as the top scorer of his club (relevant league, not farmers league) and plays in the hardest league at 37. I know my GOAT."

Someone tweeted: "Messi is about to retire and go play in MLS at 35 while Ronaldo finished the Premier League season as the 3rd highest scorer with average United."

While another added: "Whatever Ronaldo's faults - and he has plenty - he is utterly demented when it comes to winning and achievement. Messi is just not like that, which is now very apparent."

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Messi struggled during his first season in France but looks back to his best this year.

He's scored 12 goals and registered 13 assists in 17 games in all competitions. His latest was a longe-range screamer in Saturday's 4-3 win over Troyes.

PSG return to action against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.