Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Jay-Jay Okocha Once Settled the GOAT Debate
- Jay Jay Okocha has waded into the GOAT debate over Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi
- The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder acknowledged the talents of the pair, saying they bring different qualities to the table
- Some pundits have suggested that winning the FIFA World Cup would have made that difference, and Messi achieved that in 2022
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Nigerian football icon Jay Jay Okocha once weighed in on the eternal greatest of all-time debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Football fans, pundits, commentators, coaches, and even players have mixed opinions about both players who dominated football faces for almost two decades.
Messi and Ronaldo have split a staggering 13 Ballon d'Or awards between themselves, with the Argentine winning eight and the Portuguese five.
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Source: Getty Images
Having created several incredible records for club and country, some have said winning the FIFA World Cup could determine the actual GOAT, and Messi won the coveted prize in Qatar 2022.
Okocha, who had an incredible career during his playing days for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, seems to be an admirer of both Ronaldo and Messi, but he suggested the pair have shown different qualities.
Speaking on the GOAT debate, the former midfield maestro admitted that both superstars deserve the status; however, he believes Messi has an edge. Okocha told Capital FM:
“I think both of them rightly deserve to be GOATs, but I prefer Messi. As for me…I mean…Cristiano Ronaldo is typical of what you can achieve with hard work, but for Messi, everything comes naturally…and he works hard as well.”
Comparing Messi's and Ronaldo's careers
Beyond celebrity endorsements, Messi's and Ronaldo’s achievements have fuelled decades of debate.
Between them, they dominated world football for more than a decade while starring for Barcelona and Real Madrid.
From 2008 to 2017, one of the pair won every Ballon d’Or, excluding Luka Modrić's win in 2018, according to Goal.
Both veterans have lifted countless club and international trophies and broken records that will stand for years.
Messi’s 2022 World Cup victory is often cited as the defining moment in his favour, while Ronaldo continues to chase personal milestones, including edging close to 1,000 career goals while featuring in the Saudi Pro League.
Source: Getty Images
Despite approaching the twilight of their careers - Messi in his late 30s playing in Major League Soccer and Ronaldo already in his 40s in Saudi Arabia - the debate rages on.
The Argentine, now with Inter Miami, guided the club to a historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, underscoring his enduring influence.
His perceived Portuguese rival, meanwhile, continues to showcase his goal-scoring prowess and ambition abroad.
Many YouTube videos have also sought to compare the players' respective skill sets to try to determine who deserves the GOAT crown.
Ultimately, their accomplishments make comparisons inevitable, and the debate comes down to debatable margins.
13 Ballon d’Or awards, multiple domestic and continental titles, and individual records have solidified their places among the sport’s all-time greats.
While Messi holds the World Cup and MLS glory, Ronaldo’s chase for historic goal tallies ensures the discussion will continue long after both hang up their boots.
Kaka hails Messi
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Brazilian football icon Ricardo Kaka recently lavished praise on Lionel Messi, highlighting the Argentine maestro's unwavering mentality.
The admiration follows a viral moment where Messi was seen in tears after being subbed off due to an ankle injury in the Copa America final against Colombia.
Kaka, who played alongside Messi's arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, also acknowledged the fans' unforgettable support, noting that not only Argentines but also Colombians chanted Messi's name when he cried.
Source: YEN.com.gh
