Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi? When Thierry Henry explained his choice in the heated ‘GOAT’ debate
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry weighed in on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate back in 2015. The Frenchman shared the pitch with the Argentinean during his time at Barcelona and has picked the 37-year-old ahead of the Portuguese.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner recently won the Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami and is now preparing for the MLS Cup. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has also been decisive for Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi club in December 2022.
The two superstars of football are in the final phase of their career but they continue to dominate the G.O.A.T discussions. Fans across the world continue to debate who is the greatest of all time and Henry also gave his take on the matter.
In an interview with FIFA, the Frenchman outlined why he chose Lionel Messi ahead of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"Well, I played with Leo, so you can guess my answer (laughs). I have enormous respect for Cristiano who has managed to remain at the highest level for many years—and by that, I mean at an extraordinarily high level," said Henry.
He continued:
"It’s one thing to have to have a single great season but to maintain it for so many years is something else. I don’t think we fully realize just what these guys are achieving. So, while huge respect goes to Ronaldo, having played with Messi and shared extraordinary moments with him, both in victory and defeat, it has to be Leo."
This season, Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared nine times across competitions for Al-Nassr, scoring eight goals and setting up three more. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, has scored 19 goals and set up 12 more from 21 games for the Herons.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could continue until the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The world is watching closely to see if Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can continue until the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both superstars of modern football have appeared in a record-equalling five World Cups in their career.
The Portuguese is in the final year of his contract with Al-Nassr but recent reports have suggested that he is already in talks for a new deal. The 39-year-old has scored 72 goals from 79 games for the Saudi club, including six goals in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Meanwhile, the Argentinean has brought Inter Miami to the world stage since joining them in the summer of 2023. Should the duo take to the field at the grand event in two years' time, they will set a new record. Given their current form, few would bet against them.