Someone has made an 11-minute compilation of managers and players picking between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s a clear winner

A video featuring managers and players discussing the long-standing debate between Messi and Ronaldo has been viewed online more than 1.7 million times.

It’s the perennial question in football: who will be remembered as the greatest of all time? Will it be Cristiano Ronaldo, the prolific forward from Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, who holds the record for the most club and international goals?

Or will it be Lionel Messi, the iconic Barcelona legend, with an impressive collection of eight Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Boots, and three International Golden Balls throughout his illustrious career?

In total, 40 of the players surveyed chose Cristiano Ronaldo as their ‘greatest of all time’, while 101 others opted for Messi.

Throughout their remarkable careers, Ronaldo and Messi have had 26 teammates in common, including Gerard Pique, the former Manchester United and Barcelona defender, who has previously shared his perspective on the GOAT debate. Speaking on John Nellis’ YouTube channel last year, Pique remarked,

“In terms of talent, Messi is number one, for sure. Cristiano has worked very hard to compete and fight for that top spot, but looking at their careers… I would choose Messi, definitely.” Pique also highlighted Messi’s ability to compete at the highest level even at the age of 35, citing his performances in the World Cup.

Sergio Ramos, who has played alongside both Ronaldo and Messi during his stints at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, reflected on his experiences. He told PSG TV last year, “There was suffering for several years playing against Messi. Now I am enjoying him. He is the best player football has ever produced.”