The debate over who is the best player in soccer history has added a new chapter. Current stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, or historical figures like Pelé, Ronaldo Nazário, or Diego Maradona, are some of the names that often come up in this discussion.
However, for a former Chelsea star, there is no doubt: Messi is above every other player, and only one can have “arguments” to be on his level.
Is Leo Messi soccer’s GOAT? Here’s what Cole thinks
Former midfielder Joe Cole knows what it’s like to face CR7 and his scoring prowess. He excelled primarily at Chelsea FC (2003-2010), where he won 3 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, and 2 League Cups. He also played for West Ham United, Liverpool, Lille, and Aston Villa.
However, his experience against the Portuguese star doesn’t seem to have been enough to displace the Argentine captain from the number one spot in the most talked-about sports rivalry of the last two decades:
“I think every soccer player, regardless of what they’ve won, must have some regrets. And I think Cristiano Ronaldo, probably, when he lays his head on the pillow at night, thinks: ‘I wish I were as good as Messi.’ You know what I mean?” Cole said in an interview with TNT Sports (via Olé).
The truth is that if we look at their goals, assists, or titles, for example, the scales tip in favor of one player or the other. Currently, the Portuguese player has 965 goals in 1,306 matches, while the Argentine has 901 in 1,143 matches, but he has more assists (409 vs. 251) and titles (48 vs. 35). However, for the former Chelsea player, it was Lionel who “has achieved it all” and can “sleep soundly.”
Clearing up any doubts about his stance, the former Aston Villa and West Ham player asserted that “Messi has settled the debate for this generation,” meaning only a legendary player could match him:
I think he’s the greatest player of all time. Pelé is the only one who can hold a candle to him in that debate. I don’t think Cristiano, Ronaldo Nazario, or Maradona are on his level. I think he’s surpassed all of them. Now he’s on par with Pelé.
CR7 and Messi continue to write history
Meanwhile, as the debate is fueled by opinions from fans, legends, analysts, and former players, Cristiano Ronaldo is going through one of the most difficult and unusual periods of his professional career. His hamstring injury has kept him off the field since Al Nassr’s match against AlFayha (3-1) on February 28, when he had to be substituted.
This not only prevented him from continuing with the team but also kept him from participating in Portugal’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Mexico (0-0), and he will also be unable to play against the USMNT on the 31st at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. According to reports, he is expected to be ready to play on April 3 in Al Nassr’s match against Al-Najma SC in the Saudi Pro League.
For his part, although he didn’t score any goals, Messi is coming off a win in Argentina’s friendly against Mauritania (2-1) and is already preparing to host Zambia on the 31st at La Bombonera Stadium. He will then resume his activities with Inter Miami. They will host Austin at Nu Stadium on Saturday the 4th and RB New York on the 11th in MLS action.
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