The debate over who is the greatest football player of all time between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is one that will likely never end. Retired legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson made his opinion on the matter very clear.
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For over 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated global football, consistently being considered the top two players in the world. Messi, who came up through Barcelona’s youth academy, has had a remarkable career, winning eight Ballon d’Or awards….Continue Reading
During his time at the club, he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, helping Barcelona win 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
In the latter part of his career, Messi has played for Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. On the international stage, the 37-year-old has also experienced success, winning two Copa America titles and lifting the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Ronaldo’s career has largely run parallel to Messi’s, as the two have often faced each other in competition.
The Portuguese forward has claimed five Ballon d’Or titles. He made his move to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 for over £12 million, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
In 2009, he transferred to Real Madrid for a then-record £80 million fee, where he frequently played against Messi’s Barcelona.
At Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games, winning four more Champions League titles and two La Liga championships.
He later joined Juventus in 2018, and after a brief return to Manchester United in 2021, he moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia following the mutual termination of his contract in late 2022.
Like Messi, Ronaldo has achieved success internationally, having won the Nations League and European Championship with Portugal.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed Ronaldo during his first spell at Manchester United and faced Messi’s Barcelona in two Champions League finals, once shared his thoughts on the debate.
While acknowledging those who believe Messi is the best, Ferguson argued that Ronaldo’s ability to succeed with a broader range of teams sets him apart.
Speaking back in 2015, as per the Manchester Evening News, he said: “People say who is the best player in the world? And plenty of people quite rightly say Messi – you can’t dispute that opinion.
“But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers, anyone, and score a hat-trick in a game.
“I’m not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo’s got two feet, he’s quick, great in the air, he’s brave – Messi’s brave, of course. I think Messi’s a Barcelona player.”
