"He is the best player in history" - When Real Madrid star Luka Modric placed Lionel Messi above Cristiano Ronaldo in 'GOAT' debate
Luka Modric named Lionel Messi the best player in history ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2022 World Cup. The Croatian spent six seasons with the Portuguese at Real Madrid, while he regularly came up against the Argentinean in El Clasico.
Ronaldo and Messi have taken the GOAT debate to a whole new level. They have won trophies consistently and have set the benchmark for excellence in football.
Speaking after losing 3-0 to Argentina in the semifinal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Modric had backed Lionel Messi to win the coveted trophy.
"I hope he (Messi) will win this World Cup, he is the best player in history and he deserves it. He is playing a great World Cup, he shows quality and greatness in every game," said Modric (via GiveMeSport).
The Croatian's prediction turned out to be true, with La Albiceleste defeating France in the final to win the biggest prize in football. In doing so, Lionel Messi managed to get his hands on the prize his heart had craved for all his life.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to have an impact at the World Cup once again. Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Monaco in the quarterfinal and had to return home empty-handed.
How many trophies have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won in their career?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have pushed each other to the limits of their capabilities and continue to divide opinion among the football fanatics. Their quest for excellence has seen them win multiple trophies in their career.
The Portuguese has a staggering 33 trophies in his cabinet, including five Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo has won silverware with Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus as well as his national side Portugal.
The 39-year-old joined Saudi club Al-Nassr in December of 2022 and won the Arab Club Champions Cup last season, a tournament not recognized by FIFA. However, his trophy haul falls short in front of Messi.
The 37-year-old is the most successful footballer in the world and has won a record 46 trophies in his career. The Argentinean moved ahead of the crowd after winning the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami last season. He joined the Herons in the summer of 2023.
This year, La Pulga won his second Copa America with La Albiceleste and also lifted the Supporters' Shield with the Florida-based club. He is now gunning for the MLS Cup, which could be his 47th trophy.