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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reaffirmed Lionel Messi was the GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo after the Argentine ace led his nation to World Cup glory back in December 2022.
The GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been fiercely contested for over a decade. Both icons have dominated the beautiful game, garnering a total of 13 Ballons d'Or together.
One key argument that used to go against Messi was his lack of international silverware. In contrast, Ronaldo guided Portugal to triumphs in the 2016 UEFA Euros and 2019 UEFA Nations League. However, the 36-year-old Messi won three trophies in the space of 12 months, including the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, and the World Cup.
Messi put in an outstanding performance, scoring seven goals and winning the Golden Ball in the process. Shortly after the tournament, Klopp called him the GOAT by saying (via Daily Mirror):
"Argentina deserved it and when you saw the team and the country celebrating, then it probably hit the right country in difficult times. I am really happy for them, they waited for a long time.
"The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level. We shouldn’t close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him."
This wasn't the first time Klopp named Messi as the GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2020, he spoke to YouTube channel freekickerz and said:
"For me Messi, but I couldn't admire Ronaldo more than I do already. The explanation is the following: we've played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend. But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on."
He continued:
"If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo's height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do. And what is then even added to that is his total attitude, it is absolutely perfect and professional, it couldn't be any better.
"And on the other side, there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple. And therefore I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch. But Cristiano is also an absolutely incredible player."
Messi went on to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or following his World Cup feats - his eighth in total - which is the most in football history. Ronaldo is second on the list with five.
How have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi fared in 2024?
While the GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may never yield a definite answer, their current form can be analyzed. Let's take a glance at both superstars' stats in 2024 to see how they have fared for Al-Nassr and Inter Miami respectively:
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 12 goals and provided one assist in 13 appearances across all competitions this calendar year. However, the 39-year-old has endured a poor 2024 with Al-Nassr, having been knocked out of the AFC Champions League quarter-finals by Al-Ain. Moreover, he was most recently given a straight red card for violent conduct in their 2-1 loss to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals, leading to a fine and one-match suspension.
On the other hand, with the MLS campaign starting in February 2024, Lionel Messi has played a lesser number of games. The Barcelona legend has registered seven goals and four assists in eight appearances, helping Inter Miami make a decent start to their season. However, he was recently unable to prevent the Herons from being knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals by Monterrey.
