News

Sir Alex Ferguson Shares His Opinion on the GOAT Debate Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Ferguson Weighs In on the Ongoing Debate Between the Football Legends.

By Sebastián Hernadez

Photo: Cristiano and Ferguson's social networks.
Photo: Cristiano and Ferguson's social networks.
Síguenos enSíguenos en Google News

The legendary former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding the title of the greatest football player of all time (GOAT) between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The two players have dominated the football scene for over 15 years, captivating fans worldwide with their incredible careers.

Messi, who was nurtured through Barcelona's youth system, has claimed eight Ballon d'Or titles throughout his illustrious career. He has scored 672 goals in 778 matches, won 10 La Liga titles, and claimed four Champions League trophies. In the later stages of his career, Messi has continued to impress at Paris Saint-Germain and currently at Inter Miami in MLS, in addition to his successes with Argentina, including winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.

On the other hand, Ronaldo's career has paralleled Messi's, with the Portuguese star achieving five Ballon d'Or awards. Ronaldo made his mark at Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record transfer fee of £80 million saw him face Messi's Barcelona in numerous El Clásicos, where he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances, adding four Champions League titles and two La Liga trophies to his collection. After stints with Juventus and a second spell at Manchester United, Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Like Messi, he has also enjoyed international success, winning the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship with Portugal.

Ferguson's Perspective on the Debate

Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed Ronaldo during his early years at Manchester United and faced Messi's Barcelona in two Champions League finals, has weighed in on the GOAT debate in the past. Although he acknowledged that Messi could be considered the best in the world, he also argued that Ronaldo’s versatility across different teams could give him the edge.

In an interview with the Manchester Evening News in 2015, Ferguson said, “The people ask, ‘Who is the best player in the world?’ And many say Messi, rightly so, but Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers, anyone, and score a hat-trick in a match. I’m not sure Messi could do that.” Ferguson praised Ronaldo’s physical attributes, including his two-footed ability, speed, heading, and bravery, while acknowledging Messi’s skill and courage, but suggesting that Messi is more of a "Barcelona player."

  • Sir Alex Ferguson’s Opinion: Ferguson believes Ronaldo could excel at a variety of teams, whereas Messi’s success is more tied to Barcelona.
  • Messi’s Achievements: Eight Ballon d'Ors, 672 goals in 778 matches, multiple titles with Barcelona and Argentina.
  • Ronaldo’s Achievements: Five Ballon d'Ors, 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid, success with Portugal and other clubs.
  • Ferguson’s Comparison: While Messi is often considered the best, Ferguson points to Ronaldo's adaptability and his physical attributes as reasons why he could stand out in various teams.

More news