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Introduction
They regard Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as modern-day greats. Messi is known for his dribbling, passing, and team skills while Ronaldo is considered as a goals scoring machine that plays alone. They have been playing for over 15 years and have won almost all the awards in the football world.
There have been many debates, discussions, and views over “Who is better: Messi or Ronaldo?” Messi has his own admirers while a lot of people love Ronaldo.
I have discussed the dominance of Messi over Ronaldo, according to the views and opinions of the greats of football.
#10. Steven Gerrard
They regard Steven Gerrard as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He played for England and Liverpool. Gerrard considers both to be legends but picks Messi because of his team skills.
When asked to compare between Messi and Ronaldo, he said, "I think they're both operating on a different planet to every footballer that's ever lived, probably beside your Peles and your Maradonas. But Messi for me is more of a team player. If he's in on goal, he'll look for a pass, as well as obviously posting really, really good numbers individually as well.”
#9. Rafinha
Rafinha plays for the Brazil national team and Inter Milan. He was advised by Messi to move to Serie A side on loan.
Rafinha praised Lionel Messi and said: “Messi? He’s the best player in the world. It’s that simple. Three minutes on the pitch and a goal.”
#8. David Beckham
One of the most popular football player and a superstar, David Beckham also prefers Messi over Ronaldo. He believes Ronaldo does not reach Messi’s level.
He said, "While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both better than the rest, Ronaldo does not reach the level of Messi."
#7. Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has a special liking for Messi. He likes Messi due to the ease with which he plays the game and brings excellence on the field.
When asked to comment, he said, “Messi is the best, he is definitely the best. He knows how to play, score and make the other players play. He is always there. With all the respect to all the players, first to Cristiano Ronaldo—congratulations to him for the award—I think Messi is on another level.”
#6. Javier Saviola
Saviola known for his dribbling skills preferred Messi to Ronaldo but hailed the accomplishments of both players. He believes Messi is better to watch as compared to Ronaldo.
He said: "I love how Messi plays football. If I had to choose a favorite player, I would definitely choose him. It is about taste, I like Messi better, but there is no doubt that Cristiano is a great player."
#5. Jose Mourinho
Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho picked Pele, Maradona, and Messi as all-time greats. "For me, the top three players in history are Messi, Pele, and Maradona," Mourinho said via Express.
Back in 2013 when Ronaldo had won Ballon d’Or, he liked Ronaldo over Messi. He had remarked: "I saw Maradona a couple of times. I never saw Pele. But Cristiano is amazing. This man is the best."
#4. Ronaldinho
Brazilian legend and an attacking midfielder, Ronaldinho wished he had spent longer time alongside Messi at Barcelona.
When asked to choose between Ronaldo and Messi, he said: "Messi. I would have loved to continue playing alongside him."
#3. Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone is the manager for Argentina and Atletico Madrid. According to him, Messi is best when he is surrounded by top players.
He puts Lionel Messi above Cristiano Ronaldo. "If I had to choose between Messi and Ronaldo, then most likely I would choose Messi," Simeone told reporters.
#2. Ronaldo de Lima
Ronaldo de Lima, the Brazilian legend believes Messi is a versatile player than his Portuguese competitor.
He was quoted by Marca, "Messi is out of this world. Cristiano, too, but I see Leo as more complete."
#1. Pele
A man who has over 1,000 goals to his name, Pele thinks Messi is a complete player in terms of team skills, goal scoring and passing the ball.
He told SporTV: “I would still stay with Messi. Scoring is important, no doubt, but if you do not have anyone to prepare, then the ball is not enough. For my team I prefer Messi. As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he's a great goal scorer.”
