Cesc Fabregas, the former midfielder who played alongside Lionel Messi and competed against Cristiano Ronaldo, declared Lionel Messi the most complete player ever in a 2018 interview. Fabregas highlighted Messi’s extraordinary qualities compared to Ronaldo, emphasizing the Argentine’s exceptional skills and vision that place him above his rival in football history.
During the interview with the Daily Telegraph, Fabregas acknowledged Ronaldo’s tremendous competitive spirit and achievements but insisted Messi was on another level. He explained that those who have shared the pitch with Messi or have deep football insight recognize the Argentine as the most well-rounded player the game has seen. Fabregas also mentioned that winning the FIFA World Cup would solidify Messi’s legacy, a milestone Messi eventually reached in 2022.
Fabregas Details Why Messi Surpasses Ronaldo in Football Excellence
Fabregas elaborated on Messi’s unmatched versatility and overall impact on the field. He noted Messi’s ability to score goals with both feet and his head, his creativity in providing assists, and his remarkable dribbling skills that allow him to evade multiple defenders effortlessly. According to Fabregas, Messi is not only the best goalscorer but also one of the best passers, showcasing an all-around mastery that makes him the most complete player in football history.
Fabregas emphasized the different contexts in which Messi and Ronaldo played, highlighting that both thrived in separate teams, squads, and eras. He stressed the mutual respect between the two icons, acknowledging that their rivalry has pushed both players to elevate their games. Fabregas said,
“For me, Leo will always be the best player ever, with or without the World Cup. Of course, I know when we talk in 20 or 30 years, if you win the World Cup, the future generations who do not watch him now will be even more clear on the fact Leo was the best because they can say ‘he won a World Cup’. But people who have played with him or know about football will tell you he is the best and the most complete player ever.” —Cesc Fabregas, Former Midfielder
“Cristiano is fantastic and everyone admires him for what he does, the guy is a competitor. But talent-wise and when we talk about the complete player, Leo became the best goalscorer ever, became the best passer ever, he can score with both feet, his head, he can dribble around four players. He has vision to make assists, he is the most complete ever, no doubt. People want to put Leo up against Cristiano and of course they both need each other to make themselves better, but we are talking about different teams, different groups, different moments.” —Cesc Fabregas, Former Midfielder
“I think they just respect each other and get on with it. It’s been going on too long for either of them to get annoyed by it.” —Cesc Fabregas, Former Midfielder
The Ongoing Messi vs. Ronaldo Rivalry Remains a Defining Chapter
The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatness has persisted throughout their careers and continues even as both players approach the later stages of their professional journeys. Both have accumulated numerous individual awards and team honors, cementing their status as the two standout footballers of their generation. Their rivalry on and off the pitch has captivated fans globally and shaped modern football discourse.
Sergio Aguero Teases Cristiano Ronaldo Supporter Before Club World Cup Match
At the FIFA Club World Cup held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero playfully mocked streamer iShowSpeed, a well-known Cristiano Ronaldo fan. The encounter took place before Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami faced Al Ahly in the tournament opener. Aguero’s lighthearted exchange began when iShowSpeed requested to be introduced to Messi, prompting Aguero to question the streamer’s devotion to Ronaldo.
In a teasing tone, Aguero asked whether Cristiano Ronaldo was participating in the Club World Cup or would simply be watching from home, casting doubt on the Portuguese star’s presence at the event. As Aguero said,
“But [Cristiano] Ronaldo plays here [at the Club World Cup]? Or no? Oh, maybe he has to watch.” —Sergio Aguero, Former Striker
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi appeared to ignore the streamer’s attempts to engage with him at the tunnel, where iShowSpeed wore a Ronaldo shirt. Messi maintained his focus as Inter Miami played to a goalless draw against Al Ahly in Group A’s opening match.
Why Fabregas’ View on Messi Holds Lasting Weight in Football Discussions
Fabregas’ assessment carries unique authority because of his firsthand experience partnering with Lionel Messi and facing Cristiano Ronaldo. His comments offer insight not only into Messi’s technical skills but also his comprehensive influence on the pitch, highlighting attributes beyond scoring, such as vision and teamwork. Fabregas’ endorsement of Messi as the “most complete player ever” reinforces widespread recognition among football insiders, who appreciate Messi’s multifaceted capabilities.
As Messi’s career continues, his World Cup victory and consistent high-level performance strengthen the argument that he is not only one of the greatest ever but also uniquely versatile in how he shapes the game. This perspective is likely to endure in football debates as future generations analyze the legacies of both Messi and Ronaldo.