Haaland, Van Dijk, Other Stars Pick Champions GOAT Between Ronaldo and Messi

Haaland, Van Dijk, Other Stars Pick Champions GOAT Between Ronaldo and Messi

  • Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are no longer playing in the Champions League, but they left plenty of memories
  • The two icons dominated the competition with incredible goals and clutch performances for years
  • Several players were asked to pick what comes to mind when they think about the competitions, and the responses were telling

The 2024/25 Champions League has delivered some epic matches in the first few weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi thrived in the competition but left Europe as they edge towards retirement.

Several players, including Erling Haaland and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, were asked what comes to mind when they think about the competition.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered football GOATS
Ronaldo and Messi won nine Champions League titles. Photos by Megan Briggs and Yasser Bakhsh.
Source: UGC

Ronaldo and Messi are the top two in both goals and assists in the competition. The Al-Nassr star is the leading scorer with 140 goals, while the Inter Miami star is second with 129.

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Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles, while Messi has four. The two have battled for more than a decade and are now considered among the greats.

Champions League asked Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Florian Wirtz, and others what comes to mind when they think about the competition.

All of them said Ronaldo. The Portugal legend has some of the best moments in the competition, like his goal against Juventus in 2018.

Messi's last Champions League trophy came in 2015, while Ronaldo last won it in 2018. The Barcelona legend is fondly remembered for dropping Jerome Boateng in 2015 and his performance in the 2009 and 2011 finals, per Sports Illustrated.

Buffon comments on GOAT debate

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In another report, YEN.com.gh reported that legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his pick in the GOAT debate.

The World Cup winner said both players are different, adding that Messi is complete while Ronaldo has the killer instinct.

Bale picks between Ronaldo and Messi

YEN.com.gh also reported that Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale has weighed in on the long-standing GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale was recently asked to list his top five attacking players, and his choice between Messi and Ronaldo was particularly notable.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Richard Nutakor avatar

Richard Nutakor (Sports Editor) Richard Kekeli is a digital media enthusiast with over 8 years of working experience in media and digital. He's worked with notable media brands in Ghana like Media General, owners of TV3 Ghana, 3FM, Onua FM & Connect FM. He's also worked with Global Media Alliance as a Digital Account Manager. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Masters in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Email: richard.kekeli@sportsbrief.com