“It’s Cristiano Ronaldo”- Usain Bolt Refuses to Include Lionel Messi in ‘Top 3’ Players of All Time, Years After GOAT Debate Snub

The GOAT debate in soccer doesn’t look to rest for the time being. Each day, fresh perspectives emerge that add fuel to the fiery discourse. This time, Usain Bolt has now stirred the pot by giving a cold shoulder to Lionel Messi in his list of the top three players of all time. Rather, the legendary sprinter pledged his alliance with Cristiano Ronaldo, despite previously refraining from entering the discussion. 

Courtesy of Puma, Complex UK recently caught up with Bolt in Jamaica. The former Olympian took part in a 60-second rapid-fire segment, where one of the ‘harder‘ questions asked was to reveal his favorite soccer star. Exclaiming with ‘Oh my god,’ Bolt replied, “I’m just gonna keep it simple. I think Pele, Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo are my favorite footballers.” Interestingly, when the host interrogated about the former runner’s choice to snub Lionel Messi, he replied, “Yeah, for sure. It’s Cristiano Ronaldo.”  

This statement makes it clear enough that Bolt has settled the GOAT debate once and for all. In his eyes, Ronaldo wins the soccer’s ultimate controversy. Notably, this is not the first time he has vocally heaped praise for the Portuguese superstar. Earlier, when asked to pick between Real Madrid and Barcelona, the iconic sprinter unequivocally chose Los Blancos, stating, “I like them because of Cristiano Ronaldo.” This explains why he recently celebrated Madrid’s recent Champions League victory over Manchester City. 

Furthermore, Bolt maintains a strong friendship with CR7 and has visited the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to watch Madrid play live. However, his response comes as a surprise, considering that he had earlier struggled to answer the same question.

Choosing between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was once ‘difficult’ for Usain Bolt

Earlier, the fastest man on the earth acknowledged how difficult it was for him to give one name for the GOAT debate. Speaking to Gazetta dello Sport, he said, “It is difficult for me to choose because I support Argentina.” Yet, he considered himself a ‘big fan’ of the CR7, adding, “I admire Ronaldo since he played for Manchester United and I support the Red Devils.” But wait for a twist!

Ironically, the eight-time Olympic champion once compared his innate talent to that of Messi. Speaking to Omnisport, while describing himself as “a massive fan” of Ronaldo, the Jamaican said, “Messi is very talented. From what I’ve learned and listened to over the years, Cristiano had to work to get where he is. I was born with speed and had a lot of talent [like Messi].” 

However, with the latest claim, it seems he has finally made up his mind. Cristiano Ronaldo fans can certainly welcome Usain Bolt in their CR7 fan club.