When Jose Mourinho Tried 'Settling' Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT Debate
- The Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate has dominated football in its entirety for the last few years
- The two football veterans have scored hundreds of goals, broke many records, and have won countless trophies
- Former Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho, recently appeared to settle the endless debate with his remark
- A FIFA-accredited sports journalist agreed with Mourinho's stance on the never-ending GOAT debate
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The GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has raged for years, and there are no signs of it ending anytime soon.
Jose Mourinho previously coached Ronaldo and also faced Messi at his peak. He recently shared his take on who is best among them.
Source: Getty Images
These two football icons were the best players on the planet for a decade when they played in Spain for Real Madrid and Barcelona. Messi or Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or award from 2008 to 2017.
They won many trophies both at club and international levels and broke countless records. For many, Messi's 2022 World Cup win settled the debate. However, Ronaldo fans are not convinced.
Both players are in their late 30s, and their playing days are slowly coming to an end, having moved to MLS (Messi) and the Saudi Pro League (Ronaldo). However, the argument is still raging.
Mourinho settles GOAT debate
Messi led Argentina to Copa America glory, while Ronaldo's Portugal fell short at Euro 2024.
Ex-Real Madrid gaffer Mourinho gave his take on the debate when answering quick-fire questions on TNT Sports.
“Of course, the little guy, that little guy was not coachable, but I have to say in our generation, he [Messi] was the best,” he said.
Ronaldo played 164 matches under the Portuguese coach and registered 168 goals and 49 assists, per Transfermarkt.
However, it is certain that many will disagree with the Special One's assessment of the greatest footballer of all-time.
Source: Getty Images
Journalist agrees with Mourinho's GOAT take
Derrick Ayim, a FIFA-accredited Ghanaian journalist based in the United States, agreed with the view expressed by José Mourinho, stating that Lionel Messi is the greatest player in football history - or at the very least the best of his generation.
“Mourinho is absolutely right,” Ayim told YEN.com.gh. “Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer we have ever seen, or at the very least the best player of this generation.”
He added: “What Messi has achieved over the years, both individually and with his teams, sets him apart from almost everyone who has played the game.”
Messi vs Ronaldo: Who is the GOAT?
Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have claimed 13 Ballon d’Or awards, while Modrić himself broke their dominance with his own win in 2018. Their achievements make comparisons inevitable.
Messi has already secured a World Cup title, a milestone that has strengthened his claim in the eyes of many.
Ronaldo, still chasing history, is edging closer to the remarkable landmark of 1,000 career goals while continuing his journey in Saudi Arabia, as cited by beIN Sports.
The Argentine remains influential, too. Now in Major League Soccer, Messi guided Inter Miami to a historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, further underlining his lasting impact.
Watch the moment Messi lifted the MLS Cup:
The conversation took a lighter turn when former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil was asked to choose between the two legends.
Özil, who shared three seasons with Ronaldo, smiled before delivering an unexpected response: "Arda Güler."
Inter Miami celebrate Lionel Messi
YEN.com.gh also reported that Inter Miami celebrated Messi for becoming the most decorated footballer, with the Argentine recently adding another Copa America trophy to his cabinet.
45 academy players each held up a poster representing all of Messi's trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, two French Ligue 1 crowns, four Champions Leagues, and the 2022 World Cup.
Source: YEN.com.gh
