Lionel Messi Is by Far ‘The Best Player’, Claims Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League Rival

According to many soccer stars, veterans, and pundits, Lionel Messi‘s 2022 World Cup win had settled soccer’s GOAT debate in his favor. Messi’s arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has never won the world title, and his chances to chase one are rather bleak. Recently, one of Leo Messi’s teammates and Ronaldo’s former English Premier League rival said the former’s ‘GOAT status’ helped Argentina win the World Championship in Qatar.

Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, who was instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup victory, does not doubt as to who is the world’s best player. He has notably played with Cristiano Ronaldo in Juventus. The Tottenham Hotspur star has also faced the Portuguese in the Premier League during his Manchester United days. But he doesn’t think Ronaldo is the GOAT.

“We are humble group and we knew that there were probably other teams at the World Cup who were better than us on the paper, but as a group, no one was better than us. And also, having Messi who’s by far the best player in the world, is always an advantage against everyone,” said Cuti Romero, as per All About Argentina’s X handle. Leo Messi lived up to this reputation at the Qatar World Cup. Messi finished the tournament with a staggering seven goals and three assists, including a brace in the final. He also took home the Golden Ball for the best player.

It is not surprising to see Romero, an Argentine, pick Messi as the best. However, certain Argentinians have shockingly idolized Ronaldo. Meanwhile, there are Messi fans in the Portuguese camp as well.

When Portuguese stars idolized Lionel Messi and Argentines hailed Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix battle together for Portugal. However, he thinks Lionel Messi has an edge over the Al Nassr captain. Felix has snubbed the 39-year-old in favor of the 8x-Ballon d’Or winner while picking star-studded attacking lineups. He also rated Messi as a better free-kick taker than the Portugal international. Similarly, there are youngsters in the Argentine camp who like to do it the Ronaldo way.

Alejandro Garnacho is teammates with Messi in Argentina. But he is more fond of his former Manchester United teammate Ronaldo. Garnacho has consistently channeled his inner CR7 to score acrobatic goals for United. Moreover, he celebrates these goals with a tribute to the Al Nassr star by performing his ‘siuu’ celebration. Once, fellow Argentine superstar Angel Di Maria had warned Garnacho not to celebrate like Ronaldo. But the MUFC star has conveniently overlooked Di Maria and time and again gave nods to his Portuguese idol.