Arsene Wenger offered a distinctive perspective in the ongoing debate about who is the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking in 2020, Wenger emphasized the differences between the two players and argued that football has progressed in a way that aligns more closely with Ronaldo’s style, suggesting that the sport’s rules need to evolve to enhance its spectacle.
In his conversation with SoFoot, Wenger explained:
“I often say that Cristiano Ronaldo is the athlete-footballer, and Lionel Messi, the exceptional artist, this is the difference between the two. Afterwards, everyone prefers one or the other. When we like the game, we prefer the artist. The creative makes you discover things that you do not see, that you have not even considered from the stands.” —Arsene Wenger, Former Arsenal Manager
He continued to elaborate on the evolution of the game:
“It’s [creative style] finer, even if I don’t deny the quality of the Portuguese star. I just believe that football has evolved into the Ronaldo style. This does not mean that we should eliminate the creative. The rules must evolve to make the game more spectacular, more beautiful to see.” —Arsene Wenger, Former Arsenal Manager
Contrasting Styles of Two Football Legends
Throughout his career, Lionel Messi has stood out as a brilliant creative force, with extraordinary vision that enables him to craft opportunities and score goals. Messi, often described as a naturally gifted player, blends his creativity with impressive goal-scoring prowess, making him a unique talent on the pitch.
Conversely, Cristiano Ronaldo started his professional journey as a skillful winger with a strong ability to score. His approach evolved substantially after his 2009 transfer to Real Madrid, where he became a highly precise and efficient finisher. Renowned for his hard work and dedication, Ronaldo’s transformation reflected his relentless pursuit of excellence and adaptability.
The rivalry between these two has been intensified through their contrasting personas: Messi as a naturally talented playmaker and Ronaldo as an athlete dedicated to peak physical performance.
The Rivalry Intensifies Through Club and Individual Achievements
The competition between Messi and Ronaldo gained further prominence as they represented archrivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. This rivalry has played out prominently in numerous domestic and international competitions, producing some of the most memorable moments in football history.
Their duel extended to the Ballon d’Or awards, where both players have dominated for over a decade. Messi leads with eight Ballon d’Or titles, while Ronaldo has claimed the honor five times, highlighting their enduring legacy in football.
In terms of club goals, Ronaldo holds a slight edge, scoring 794 goals compared to Messi’s 760. These statistics underscore their sustained excellence and contribution to their teams over many seasons.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Assessment of the GOAT Debate
Sir Alex Ferguson, legendary former manager of Manchester United, shared his views on the Messi and Ronaldo discussion, highlighting both players’ exceptional qualities while noting their differences. Ferguson praised Messi’s talent but pointed out Ronaldo’s versatility and effectiveness across various teams as a distinguishing factor.
He told the Manchester Evening News in 2015:
“People say who is the best player in the world? And plenty of people quite rightly say Messi – you can’t dispute that opinion. But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers, anyone, and score a hat-trick in a game. I’m not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo’s got two feet, he’s quick, great in the air, he’s brave – Messi’s brave, of course. I think Messi’s a Barcelona player.” —Sir Alex Ferguson, Former Manchester United Manager
Performance Across Multiple Clubs and Leagues
Cristiano Ronaldo has made significant impacts with every club he has represented, demonstrating adaptability and prolific goal-scoring ability. At Sporting Lisbon, his first professional team, he scored five goals in 31 appearances. In two periods with Manchester United, he netted 145 goals in 346 matches. His tenure at Real Madrid was particularly remarkable, producing 450 goals in 438 games, followed by 101 goals in 134 appearances for Juventus. Currently at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo continues to deliver with 93 goals in 105 games.
Lionel Messi, who spent the vast majority of his club career at Barcelona, scored 672 goals in 778 games before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, where he tallied 32 goals in 75 appearances. He presently plays for Inter Miami, adding 50 goals in 63 appearances to his record. Both players have shown their capacity to adapt to different playing styles and leagues, but Ronaldo’s success in multiple countries is notable.
Implications for Football’s Future Evolution
Wenger’s observation that football has evolved to favor Ronaldo’s athleticism raises important questions about the future direction of the sport. By suggesting that rules need to adapt, Wenger highlights a desire to maintain the sport’s artistic elements, embodied by players like Messi, while embracing the physical qualities that players like Ronaldo represent.
This ongoing debate reflects a larger discussion about balancing creativity and athleticism in football. As the game continues to develop globally, rule changes that promote flair and spectacle could help preserve the sport’s excitement and accessibility for fans worldwide.
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 is among the richest and most influential athletes globally. His lavish lifestyle includes real estate investments, luxury cars, and a private jet.