Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic once weighed in on the heated debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, causing a significant stir on social media. In 2022, Ibrahimovic, known for his candid remarks and stellar career, commented:
“The only thing Ronaldo is ahead of Messi is the age.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
While Ibrahimovic is certainly entitled to his opinion, his comment provoked a backlash from fans of the Portuguese superstar. Conversely, supporters of Lionel Messi, often known as La Pulga, praised Ibrahimovic’s view, highlighting the persistent divide between the two fanbases.
Ibrahimovic’s perspective was likely influenced by his time playing alongside Messi at Barcelona under the management of Pep Guardiola. During this period, Messi was in peak form, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on the Swedish forward. “Messi’s vision and technical prowess on the field were extraordinary,” Ibrahimovic once noted in an interview, reflecting on their time together.
In contrast, Ibrahimovic never played with Ronaldo and generally did not come out on top in their encounters. A notable example is the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, where Ronaldo’s hat-trick ensured Portugal’s place in the tournament at Sweden’s expense. Ibrahimovic acknowledged Ronaldo’s talent, stating, “Cristiano has a remarkable ability to change the course of a game single-handedly.”
Ronaldo and Messi are undeniably among the greatest footballers of all time. Choosing between the two often sparks controversy, as Ibrahimovic experienced firsthand. His comment not only reignited the perennial debate but also underscored the subjective nature of comparing these two football icons.
Wayne Rooney Chooses Messi Over Former Teammate Ronaldo in GOAT Debate
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney also weighed in on the GOAT debate, favoring Lionel Messi over his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney, who played alongside Ronaldo for five years at Manchester United and faced Messi on several occasions, shared his opinion:
“I think Messi, he’s the best ever. I get a lot of stick for saying Messi where it’s as if, ‘How can you say Messi, it’s Ronaldo.’ I understand that people can say Messi, people can say Ronaldo – they are both incredible, probably the best two players to ever play the game. For me, Messi has just got that little bit more flair, which I like in a player, so that’s the reason.”
Rooney’s perspective is shaped by his firsthand experience with both players. He witnessed Ronaldo’s relentless drive and physical prowess during their time together at Manchester United. “Cristiano’s work ethic and dedication were second to none,” Rooney remarked in an interview, reflecting on their training sessions.
However, it was Messi’s natural talent and creativity on the pitch that swayed Rooney’s opinion. “Messi’s ability to read the game and execute seemingly impossible plays is what sets him apart,” Rooney explained.
Both Ronaldo and Messi continue to impress on the field and have the potential to further their remarkable legacies. This summer, they will represent their nations in the Euros and Copa America, respectively, seeking even more glory. Their performances in these tournaments could add new chapters to the ongoing debate, keeping fans and analysts engaged in this eternal comparison.
