“He makes everything look so easy - even the impossible” - When Real Madrid legend claimed Lionel Messi is better than ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid legend Raul once picked Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate. The Argentine ace was Los Blancos' tormentor-in-chief during his time with Barcelona.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner faced Real Madrid 47 times in his career for Barca and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) combined. He registered 26 goals and 14 assists, winning 20 games, losing 16 and drawing 11.
Lionel Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo lit up LaLiga and caught the imagination of the football world. Raul regularly came up against the diminutive Argentine during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu and once gave a surprising verdict on the player.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated in 2015, the legendary Spaniard described Messi as:
"I was lucky enough to play with Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Cristiano but Messi is different. He makes everything look so easy, so effortless - even the impossible," said Raul.
"When you watch him play, it's almost as though you are watching him in the street playing with his friends. From the time when I started out, the best players around then were Roberto Baggio and Ryan Giggs," he added.
Lionel Messi currently plies his trade in Inter Miami, having joined the MLS side in 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, moved to the Middle East to join Al-Nassr in December 2022.
How many goals have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored this season?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the twilight of their careers but have shown no signs of slowing down. The Argentine superstar has lit up the MLS since joining Inter Miami and helped the club lift the Leagues Cup last season.
This season, the 37-year-old has missed some games due to his involvement in Copa America and an a subsequent injury in the final. However, Messi has been equally decisive for the Herons.
The Barcelona legend has registered 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 MLS outings this season, helping the club lift the Supporters' Shield.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has also been in robust form for Al-Nassr. The Portuguese ace has nine goals and three assists from 10 games across competitions for the Saudi club this season and has his eyes on the Saudi Pro League.
The 39-year-old's contract with the club expires at the end of this campaign. However, recent reports have suggested he could be in line for a renewal.