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Lionel Messi Reigns Supreme in GOAT Debate According to Gary Lineker
Discover why a football legend places the Argentine icon above all others in the eternal greatest of all time discussion.
In the ever-evolving world of football, few topics spark as much passion as the debate over the greatest player ever. Gary Lineker, the renowned former England striker and broadcaster, has boldly declared Lionel Messi as unmatched, elevating him beyond contemporaries like Cristiano Ronaldo. With Messi’s recent exploits, including his key role in Inter Miami’s 2024 successes and ongoing global impact, Lineker’s views resonate more than ever, blending timeless artistry with modern achievements.
- Lionel Messi hailed as the ultimate greatest ever
- Cristiano Ronaldo excluded from the top contention
- Brazil‘s Ronaldo ranked higher than his Portuguese namesake
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: A Legendary Rivalry Redefined
For more than a decade and a half, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shaped the landscape of modern soccer. Their peak performances at clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, combined with their enduring presence on the international stage, have set new benchmarks for greatness. Both athletes have amassed impressive trophies, shattered records, and driven team victories, yet Messi’s victory leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title has tipped the scales significantly toward him in many eyes, including recent polls showing over 60% of fans favoring him in 2024 surveys.
What Sets Messi Apart in the GOAT Conversation
Although Cristiano Ronaldo‘s incredible scoring records and sustained career span are unparalleled in some areas, it’s Messi’s unique combination of technical mastery, creative insight, and elegant gameplay that has Lineker convinced he’s in a class by himself. This opinion, however, hasn’t been without repercussions. The ex-England international revealed that his outspoken support for Messi has led to a rift with Ronaldo, who has distanced himself from Lineker over these comments.
Gary Lineker’s Ultimate List of Football Icons
Broadening the discussion past the ongoing Messi vs Ronaldo clash, Lineker outlined his version of soccer’s ‘Mount Rushmore’-an elite quartet of all-time greats. In his selection, he honors Pele, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazario, highlighting the latter’s explosive talent despite career setbacks from injuries.
Lineker’s Praise for Messi’s Unrivaled Brilliance
“In my opinion, he’s [Messi] the top player I’ve ever seen, purely because he stands out as the greatest overall,” Lineker explained. “When you compare him to legends like Cruyff, Zidane, or even Ronaldo, the gap is evident-he operates on an entirely superior plane, which is astonishing.”
Remembering Ronaldo Nazario’s Potential and Perseverance
“If not for those persistent injuries, the Brazilian Ronaldo could have been right there in the mix,” Lineker noted. “Yet, even with those challenges, he achieved remarkable feats and brought pure delight to the game. Missing over three years of play, he still returned to claim the World Cup’s top scorer award. Incredible! So, for my top four-like a Mount Rushmore of football-it would be Pele, Maradona, Messi, and the Phenomenon [Ronaldo].”
Why the Messi-Ronaldo GOAT Debate Endures
Even with Lineker’s firm position, the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo continues to captivate fans worldwide, fueling endless discussions and divided allegiances. Each has cultivated a dedicated following through their extraordinary careers. For Lineker, though, the case is closed: Messi’s World Cup success, unwavering excellence, and a playing style that merges ingenuity with poise position him as the undisputed leader in this ongoing narrative.
