"They are very different" - When F1 champion Max Verstappen commented on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen weighed in on the never-ending GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021. The Dutch-Belgian driver didn't make a clear pick, rather highlighted their individual qualities.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the world of football for more than a decade. Together, they have won a total of 13 Ballon d'Or awards and scored over 1,700 career goals. However, the debate over who is the better player continues to rage among fans and analysts alike.
During an interview with ViaPlay in 2021, Max Verstappen shared his view on arguably football's greatest rivalry. When asked to choose between Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, he said (via Hindustan Times):
"They are very different, so I can't choose. I find it impossible to choose because I think Messi has more talent than Cristiano, but Cristiano has just kept on working and being incredibly fit. I mean, what he does at his age is incredible, but that's how you can become very, very good as well."
Messi and Ronaldo are nearing the end of their careers, yet they continue to make significant impacts on their respective teams. The 37-year-old Argentine currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and helped them lift the Supporters' Shield this season.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. The 39-year-old has been in red-hot form this season, registering 15 goals and three assists in 18 appearances for the Riyadh-based outfit.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for 2024 FIFA Best Attacker
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been included in the 22-man attackers' nominee for the 2024 FIFA The Best XI. The duo were prolific in front of goal for their respective teams last season.
Messi scored 32 goals and assisted 25 more in 55 games for both Paris Saint Germain and Inter Miami. Ronaldo on the other hand recorded an impressive 44 goals and 13 assists in 44 games for Al-Nassr
It is pertinent to note that the two superstars did not make the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. However, Lionel Messi has been nominated for the 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Argentine legend has won the award thrice including consecutive wins in the last two years (2019, 2022, 2023). He will look to win the accolade for a record-extending fourth time. Ronaldo, meanwhile has won the award twice (2016, 2017).