“Going to go on the side of Messi” - When former Manchester United star picked the Argentine as his GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Manchester United star Carlos Tevez once chose Lionel Messi as his GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old has played with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in Argentina's senior national team for 10 years.
Carlos Tevez has also shared the pitch with the Portuguese icon for two years during the Argentine's time at Old Trafford on loan from West Ham United from 2007–2009.
During his time at the Red Devils, Carlos Tevez formed a great partnership with Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo, while recording 34 goals and 14 assists in 99 appearances across all competitions. He won the 2007–08 and 2008–09 Premier League, the 2008–09 Football League Cup, the 2008 FA Community Shield, the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester United. The Boca Juniors graduate joined Manchester City in 2009.
Carlos Tevez joined Argentina's senior team in 2004 and shared the pitch with Lionel Messi for the majority of his time there. He netted 13 goals in 76 appearances for La Albiceleste.
Sharing his opinion on the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez said back in 2012 (via GiveMeSport.com):
"I think it is only right if Cristiano Ronaldo does believe he is the best in the world. Any guy who gets 37-40 goals a season has a right to believe that, but if you push me I am always going to go on the side of Messi."
Carlos Tevez was most recently the head coach of Argentine club Club Atlético Independiente for 2023-2024.
Manchester United star Harry Maguire picks Cristiano Ronaldo as the GOAT over Lionel Messi
Manchester United center-back Harry Maguire recently named his former club teammate while taking his GOAT pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old forward and the Englishman shared the pitch at Old Trafford for one and a half seasons from 2021–2022.
In an interview with GOAL USA where Harry Maguire named his choices for different categories, he named the Portuguese icon when asked about the GOAT.
When asked to pick a big-game player, the Red Devils star named Ronaldo again.
Harry Maguire, arrived at Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019. He won the 2022–23 EFL Cup while being runners-up in the 2022–23 FA Cup and the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League. His contract with the Red Devils is valid until June 30, 2025.