Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has expressed a clear preference for Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the ongoing debate about the greatest football player of all time. In a 2020 interview with Freekickerz, Klopp acknowledged his admiration for Ronaldo but ultimately favored Messi for his unique qualities on the field.

Jurgen Klopp’s Perspective on the Messi vs. Ronaldo Rivalry

Klopp highlighted the challenge of defending both players, emphasizing their exceptional talents. However, he noted that Messi requires fewer physical attributes naturally compared to Ronaldo. Klopp said,

“For me, Messi. But I couldn’t admire Ronaldo more than I do already. I’ll explain it like this, we’ve played against both Messi and Ronaldo already and both are almost impossible to defend. But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on. If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo’s height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do.”

The German coach praised Ronaldo’s attitude and professionalism, calling it

“absolutely perfect and professional, it couldn’t be any better.”

Nevertheless, Klopp was drawn to Messi’s seemingly effortless style and simplicity on the pitch, stating,

“And on the other side there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple. And therefore I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch. But Cristiano is also an absolutely incredible player.”

Klopp reflected on the legacy both stars have created over many years, noting their lasting impact on football.

“It’s really difficult therefore, but what both have in common is that both have left their footprints for such a long time. There are also some younger players who have a similar potential, but to do that over this time period is even more incredible,”

he said.

Comparing the Career Goal Records of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have amassed remarkable goal-scoring records throughout their careers. Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in men’s international football, with 138 goals in 221 appearances for Portugal. Overall, the Portuguese forward has scored an impressive 938 goals and provided 257 assists in 1,281 matches across club and country.

Ronaldo is also Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, having found the net 451 times in 438 games for the club. More recently, he has scored 93 goals in 105 games for his current club, Al-Nassr.

Meanwhile, Messi has netted 112 goals in 193 international matches for Argentina, ranking second only to Ronaldo. As of now, Messi plays for Inter Miami, with his contract set to expire at the end of this year.

The Enduring Influence of Two Football Legends

Jurgen Klopp’s remarks underscore the profound respect both players command due to their extraordinary careers and impact on the game. Their contrasting styles—Messi’s natural finesse and Ronaldo’s physical prowess—continue to captivate fans and experts alike. As both players near the twilight of their careers, the football world watches with anticipation for what milestones they might still achieve and which emerging talents may eventually follow in their footsteps.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Lionel Messi a billionaire?

A. Lionel Messi has a net worth of $1.15 billion and a profitable contract with Inter Miami. He also has several endorsement deals.

He is among the richest and most influential athletes globally. His luxurious lifestyle includes real estate, fancy cars, and a private jet.