The debate surrounding the title of the greatest footballer of all time GOAT between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continues to captivate fans, pundits, and players alike.
It’s a debate that shows no signs of fading even as their respective eras come to an end.
Among the fortunate few who have had the privilege of sharing the pitch with both the Argentine and the Portuguese, 27 players have experienced firsthand the unparalleled brilliance of these two icons. Of these, 25 have weighed in on the debate, offering their perspectives on who reigns supreme.

Ronaldo and Messi teammates settles debate
Here, we delve into the insights of eight teammates who have aligned themselves with the Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi.
Sergio Ramos: The legendary defender, synonymous with Real Madrid, spent nine seasons alongside the Balon door winner in Spain before crossing paths with the World Cup winner during his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos’ perspective on the GOAT debate underwent a shift during his time playing alongside Messi in Paris, as reported by Express UK.

Angel Di Maria: A pivotal figure in Messi’s journey with the Argentine national team, Di Maria has shared triumphs with Messi in both the Copa America and World Cup finals, opting to side with his compatriot over his former Real Madrid teammate, Ronaldo.

Carlos Tevez: Forming a lethal trio with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney during his spell at Manchester United, Tevez clinched two consecutive Premier League titles alongside Ronaldo. Despite enduring three Copa America final defeats with Messi, Tevez remains steadfast in his belief that Messi reigns supreme as the GOAT, acknowledging Ronaldo’s greatness as well, according to Sportskeeda.

Gerard Pique: Having spent time with Ronaldo at Manchester United before forging a legendary career at Barcelona alongside Messi, Pique’s perspective on the GOAT is unique. Per ESPN, he lauded Ronaldo as the greatest human while elevating Messi to a divine level, claiming his former Barcelona teammate transcends humanity.

Lisandro Martinez: Despite brief stints with Ronaldo at Manchester United, Martinez’s allegiance lies firmly with Messi, whom he has represented in the Argentina national team since 2019, winning three trophies together.

Fernando Gago: With four seasons under his belt at Real Madrid, two alongside Ronaldo, and over 50 national team appearances alongside Messi, Gago is unequivocal in his stance. As reported by The Sun, Gago dismisses Ronaldo’s claim to the top spot GOAT, asserting Messi’s superiority.

Ezequiel Garay: Garay’s admiration for Messi dates back to their time together in the Argentina U15 team, shaping his unwavering belief in Messi’s greatness. While his interactions with Ronaldo were limited during their time at Real Madrid, Garay’s loyalty to Messi remains steadfast.

Henrikh Larsson: Having shared the pitch with both Messi and Ronaldo during their formative years, Larsson offers a unique perspective. He suggests that Ronaldo’s exceptional talents were overshadowed by Messi’s unparalleled brilliance, particularly during their early careers before either had won a Ballon d’Or.

Through the lens of these eight teammates, it becomes evident that Lionel Messi’s impact and influence on the game have left an indelible mark, earning him the admiration and allegiance of those who have witnessed his genius up close.
Top 10 hat-tricks scorers in history
Sports Buddy also made a report on top 10 players with the most hat-tricks. A select few footballers have mastered this feat of hat-trick with unparalleled consistency, etching their names in the annals of the sport’s history.

Among them are luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and the emerging prowess of Harry Kane.