Mesut Ozil Makes Surprise Pick When 'Settling' Ronaldo and Messi GOAT Debate
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the football world for a period spanning over a decade
- The two football veterans have scored hundreds of goals, broke many records, and won countless trophies
- Former Germany superstar Mesut Ozil has decided to settle the endless debate with a 'bizarre' answer
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EX-Real Madrid and Arsenal star Mesut Özil had a surprising response when asked to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite both players nearing the end of their careers, they have dominated football for nearly two decades, amassing 13 Ballon d'Or titles combined and fueling the endless debate over the greatest of all time.
Source: Getty Images
When Özil, who spent three years as Ronaldo’s teammate at Real Madrid, was asked to choose between the two, his answer was unexpected.
Ozil on Ronaldo vs Messi
The former Germany international, of Turkish descent, responded with a smile: "Arda Güler."
Özil previously played alongside Güler at Fenerbahçe before the young midfielder made his move to Real Madrid.
Although Guler shone at this summer’s European Championships, the 19-year-old has struggled to secure a regular spot in Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup over the past year.
In the past, Ozil has openly favoured Ronaldo over Messi. In a Q&A on X back in January 2021, he wrote:
“Messi has proven himself to be one of the best ever in Spain, but Ronaldo was always the best in every country he’s played in!” adding a winking emoji for good measure."
Two years later, Ozil told Marca:
“Playing with Cristiano Ronaldo was a lot of fun. For me, he is the best player of all time. We understood each other perfectly on the pitch - I assisted, and he scored. Passing to a player who almost never missed was a gift.”
Meanwhile, Ghana and Tottenham superstar Mohammed Kudus is favouring Messi over Ronaldo.
Still, others, such as Erling Haaland, have publicly backed Ronaldo, ensuring the debate remains as alive as ever.
Who's the GOAT: Ronaldo or Messi?
Messi’s story began at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where his rare talent blossomed into history. The Argentine has collected a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and three FIFA Men’s Best Player honours.
At the international level, he lifted two Copa América titles before completing football’s ultimate mission with Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 2022, according to Goal.
On the flip side, Ronaldo’s rise followed a different path. Signed by Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, the Portuguese forward grew into a global superstar.
He claimed three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in England before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.
In Spain, his fierce duels with Messi became legendary. With Portugal, he later guided his nation to European Championship glory in 2016 and added two UEFA Nations League titles to his résumé.
Source: Getty Images
Essien picks Ronaldo over Messi
In a related report, YEN.com.gh recalled how Michael Essien previously weighed in on the long-running GOAT debate.
Speaking in a 2018 interview with Copa 90 USA, the former Chelsea midfielder praised Lionel Messi’s exceptional talent but ultimately leaned towards Cristiano Ronaldo, citing his versatility.
Source: YEN.com.gh
