Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella recently expressed his view on the ongoing Lionel Messi best footballer debate, emphasizing that he considers Messi the greatest of all time. Speaking from his experience playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, Cucurella praised the Argentine’s unique style and intelligence on the pitch.
During GOAL’s Simply The Best 2023 series, Cucurella explained:
“Lionel Messi, because for me he is the No. 1 in the world. I played with him at Barcelona and I trained with him a lot. The most incredible thing is that when you watch the game he’s walking a lot, [but] he’s watching everything, watching the space. And then when he receives the ball he has the information and the gaps in his mind [so] he is ready to ‘kill’ the other team.”
—Marc Cucurella, Chelsea defender
This comment highlights Messi’s exceptional vision and tactical awareness, traits that Cucurella found unmatched during his time with the Barcelona squad.
The Long-Standing Rivalry Between Messi and Ronaldo
The debate over who is the Greatest of All Time has persisted for years, fueled by the simultaneous rise of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their rivalry has been intensified by the historic competition between their clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. Messi’s 21-year tenure at Barcelona saw him lead the club to numerous titles, solidifying his status as the team’s pivotal figure.
In comparison, Ronaldo’s accomplishments at Real Madrid have made him one of the most celebrated players in Bernabeu history. While fans and players remain split on who holds the crown, the statistics reflect their respective impacts. Messi scored 672 goals and contributed 303 assists in 778 appearances for Barcelona, whereas Ronaldo netted 450 goals and provided 131 assists in 438 games for Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale Offers a Different Perspective on the GOAT Debate
Gareth Bale, a former Real Madrid winger and teammate of Ronaldo, has also shared his insight on the Messi-Ronaldo debate. Bale believes Ronaldo is the more complete footballer, recognizing the Portuguese forward’s physicality and versatility in attack.
Speaking in 2024, Bale stated (via GOAL):
“For me, personally, I’d say Ronaldo. He’s got the whole package. He’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s pacey, can head the ball, strike the ball. Obviously, you can’t say anything bad about Messi, but for the all-round complete footballer, I’d say Cristiano Ronaldo.”
—Gareth Bale, former Real Madrid winger
Bale’s comments underline Ronaldo’s strengths in heading, power, and speed, contrasting with Messi’s emphasis on creativity and precise finishing. Ronaldo also holds the edge in overall club career goals, having scored 794 compared to Messi’s 760.
The Debate’s Significance and Future Outlook
The discussion surrounding the Lionel Messi best footballer debate remains highly charged, reflecting deep appreciation for both players’ remarkable talents. Cucurella’s firsthand experience with Messi adds weight to arguments in favor of the Argentine’s game intelligence and influence. Meanwhile, contributions from figures like Gareth Bale serve to highlight Ronaldo’s all-around skill set and physical dominance.
As football continues to celebrate these two legends, their rivalry not only defines a generation but also influences how future stars will be measured against them. Fans and analysts alike will continue to analyze performances and statistics, ensuring the debate remains an integral part of football culture for years to come.