Real Madrid icon Raul has publicly recognized Lionel Messi as the best player ever, choosing to differentiate the Barcelona star from Cristiano Ronaldo. He described Messi’s style as uniquely effortless, saying it looks as if the Argentine maestro is simply playing for fun. This statement highlights the ongoing debate about who is football’s greatest of all time, with Raul providing his perspective based on his own experience with both players.

Raul Praises Messi’s Effortless Brilliance on the Field

In a 2015 interview with Sports Illustrated, Raul expressed admiration for Messi’s way of making the most extraordinary football feats look natural and easy. Having played alongside legends such as Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, and Cristiano Ronaldo himself, Raul still felt Messi stood out in a different category. He explained that watching Messi play felt like observing a casual street game with friends, where exceptional skill comes naturally rather than through intense effort.

“I was lucky enough to play with Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Cristiano… but Messi is different. He makes everything look so easy, so effortless – even the impossible. When you watch him play, it’s almost as though you are watching him in the street playing with his mates.”

—Raul, Real Madrid Legend

Earlier Views on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Potential as the Best

One year prior, in 2014 on the BBC World Football show, Raul had suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could become the greatest player if he maintained his performance for five more years. He acknowledged both Ronaldo and Messi as two of the finest in football history, but felt it was hard to rank players definitively. Raul’s measured assessment shows his respect for both stars while recognizing their place in the sport’s elite.

“I think now he [Cristiano] is at the top, and if continues the same way, he could be the best of all time. I think Cristiano and Lionel Messi are two of the best players in the history of the game. Are they better than Pele or Diego Maradona? They are at the top, but I think it is difficult in football to say who is first or second or third. But if Cristiano continues for five years…”

—Raul, Real Madrid Legend

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has claimed five Ballon d’Or awards with the last in 2017, now trails Messi in this regard, as Lionel has extended his own record with eight Ballon d’Or titles, including three since Ronaldo’s last win.

Messi’s Respectful Thoughts on Rivalry with Ronaldo

Earlier this year, Lionel Messi reflected on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing mutual respect and professionalism. Messi stated that their competition was confined to the pitch, both striving to deliver the best for their teams without personal animosity. This perspective paints their rivalry as one driven by sporting excellence rather than off-field conflict.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level. The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field.”

—Lionel Messi, Football Superstar

Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo has committed to Al-Nassr until 2027, while Lionel Messi is in the latter stages of negotiations with Inter Miami, preparing for the next phase of his career after his contract runs out. Both players continue to leave a significant impact on football as they approach the final chapters of their time as active competitors.

Legacy and Future Implications

Raul’s frank recognition of Lionel Messi as the best player ever adds a compelling voice to the legendary debate between Messi and Ronaldo, reinforcing the brilliance of both. As these icons near the twilight of their careers, fans and analysts alike remain captivated by their achievements and curious about how their legacies will be remembered. The ongoing discussions underscore Lionel Messi’s status while acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo’s sustained excellence at clubs like Al-Nassr and potentially Inter Miami, ensuring their influence on the sport will endure.