In a 2024 interview, former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué emphasized that Lionel Messi never allowed the competition with Cristiano Ronaldo or the pursuit of individual awards to distract him from team goals. Having experienced playing alongside both Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Piqué highlighted how Messi stayed focused on collective success rather than personal accolades. This perspective illustrates Lionel Messi team over individual accolades as a central aspect of his career.
Over 13 seasons together, Piqué and Messi appeared in 506 matches, combining for 17 goals. Speaking to talkSPORT last year, Piqué asserted that Messi prioritized team results and paid little attention to Ronaldo’s career progress. According to Piqué, Messi remained dedicated to winning major titles such as the Champions League, despite widespread media attention on his individual achievements.
“He wasn’t that type of guy. He was very team-focused, although he was getting all the first page in all the newspapers and radios and TV. At the end of the day, he was very close with all of us, and he was just focused on winning titles like the Champions League and kinds of things.”
—Gerard Piqué, Former Barcelona Defender
“At the end of the day because he was the best. Then he was winning the Ballon d’Or but it wasn’t something that was a priority for him.”
—Gerard Piqué, Former Barcelona Defender
Before joining Barcelona in July 2008, Piqué played 15 matches alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. Later, the two forwards clashed numerous times in El Clásico fixtures after Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009, setting the stage for one of football’s most iconic rivalries.
Piqué’s Perspective on the Messi vs. Ronaldo GOAT Debate
In a 2023 interview on John Nellis’s YouTube channel, Gerard Piqué was asked to weigh in on the long-standing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT) between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players have dominated world soccer for nearly two decades and collected extensive trophies and awards.
Piqué praised the intense rivalry and acknowledged the distinct qualities of each star, highlighting Messi’s natural talent and Ronaldo’s rigorous work ethic. Ultimately, when forced to choose, he gave his vote to Messi.
“Well, it’s true that the fight between the two in the last decade was quite impressive because both of them did incredibly well.”
—Gerard Piqué, Former Barcelona Defender
“I think that in terms of talent, Messi is number one, for sure. It’s true that Cristiano has worked very hard to try and compete and fight for the first spot, but if you see the careers of both… I would choose Messi, for sure.”
—Gerard Piqué, Former Barcelona Defender
Piqué retired from international football following the 2018 FIFA World Cup and ended his professional playing career in 2022, closing a distinguished chapter marked by memorable encounters with both football legends.
The Impact of Messi’s Focus on Collective Glory
Gerard Piqué’s reflections shed light on Lionel Messi’s mindset that prioritized team achievements over personal glory, a factor that contributed greatly to his success on and off the pitch. While Messi’s Ballon d’Or wins attracted global headlines, his commitment to securing titles like the Champions League was the driving force behind his legacy.
These insights also underline the respect and admiration Messi commands among peers, emphasizing that true greatness extends beyond statistics to leadership and dedication to the team’s cause. As this perspective circulates, it reaffirms why many, including Piqué, place Messi at the pinnacle of football history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family, accepting their religious beliefs. He has two tattoos related to his faith. One is of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns located on his upper right shoulder. The other tattoo is a rosary on his forearm.
Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?
A. Her passing had a big impact on him just before he turned eleven. Since then, being a dedicated Catholic, he honors her memory by looking up and pointing to the sky after scoring goals.