Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the ongoing Lionel Messi GOAT debate, emphasizing Messi’s unique talent. Reflecting on their encounters, Giggs highlighted how both players are considered among football’s all-time greats, but he recognized Messi as exceptional.
Giggs played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, while his on-field battles against Messi occurred during matches between Manchester United and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. One of the notable meetings was the 2009 Champions League final, where Giggs and Ronaldo’s side lost 2-0 to Messi’s Barcelona. After Ronaldo’s departure from United that summer, Giggs faced Messi again in the 2011 final but experienced another defeat.
In a DAZN interview, Giggs expressed admiration for Ronaldo but made it clear that Messi’s brilliance sets him apart:
“Obviously I lean towards Ronaldo a little bit because I played with him and saw him develop as a player. But Messi is a genius, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player. It’s as simple as that.”
While Giggs is now retired, both Messi and Ronaldo continue their careers outside Europe as they enter the final chapters of their playing days.
Wayne Rooney Reflects on the Messi vs. Ronaldo Rivalry
In 2020, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney added to the Lionel Messi GOAT debate by siding with Messi, despite his past partnership with Ronaldo. Rooney was on the receiving end of Messi’s talent during the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals and has closely observed both players’ evolution.
In his Sunday Times column, Rooney detailed his thoughts on the contrasting styles of Messi and Ronaldo and why he favors Messi:
“Ronaldo wasn’t as focused on goals when we started playing together but you could see that all he wanted was to be the best player in the world. He practised and practised and began to produce. Cristiano has become an incredible scorer and he and Messi are arguably the best two players the game has seen.
“But despite my friendship with Cristiano, I’d go for Messi. It’s for the same reason I loved watching Xavi and [Paul] Scholes: it’s the different things in Messi’s game. I’ve talked about composure and I can’t remember seeing Messi score when he has hit the ball as hard as he could. He just rolls them in, makes it so easy.
“Ronaldo is ruthless in the box, a killer. But Messi will torture you before he kills you. With Messi you just get the impression he is having more fun. Those two have completely changed the game in terms of goalscoring numbers and I don’t think they’ll ever be matched.”
Legacy and Influence of Messi and Ronaldo on Football
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on football, dominating the sport with their records and awards. As the two most decorated players in Ballon d’Or history, Messi has secured eight titles, while Ronaldo has won five. Their rivalry has captivated fans worldwide and set unprecedented standards for future generations.
The endorsements from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney reinforce Messi’s reputation not just as a prolific goal scorer but as a player with a rare blend of skill, creativity, and joy in the game. Their insights provide context to the ongoing Lionel Messi GOAT debate and highlight why Messi is often regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
With Messi and Ronaldo now continuing their careers away from Europe, football enthusiasts await what their final chapters will bring, as well as how their legendary status will influence the sport for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family, adopting their religious traditions. He has two tattoos that reflect this faith. One shows Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns and is located on his upper right shoulder. The other tattoo is a rosary on his forearm.
Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?
A. Her passing, just before he turned eleven, had a big impact on him. As a committed Catholic, he honors her by celebrating his goals with a gesture. He looks up and points to the sky to pay tribute to his grandmother.