"He's the best I've ever played with" - When former Barcelona star picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi
Former Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate during an interview in October 2023. Pjanic played alongside the duo at Juventus and Barcelona, respectively.
Pjanic spent four years with Juventus after joining from Serie A rivals AS Roma for €32 million in 2016. He played alongside the Portuguese star for two years before moving to Catalonia for €60 million in 2020 and played alongside La Pulga for a year.
Speaking about his time with the legendary duo with OJogo, the 34-year-old had said (via SportBible):
"I talk a lot with Cristiano Ronaldo. I have many memories with him, he is a great footballer. He's the best I've ever played with. He is among the two, three strongest players in history. I was lucky enough to play with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and it's hard to say who is stronger. However, I had more fun with Ronaldo than Messi.”
The former Barcelona midfielder is currently without a club after leaving UAE Pro-League side Al-Sharjah FC this year.
What Real Madrid legend Luka Modric said about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has also pitched in on the GOAT debate between Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and fellow Los Blancos legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo are the two greatest players in footballing history, winning eight UEFA Champions League titles and 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube Channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, earlier this year, Real Madrid legend Luka Modric said of the Portuguese star:
"The most special thing about Cristiano Ronaldo? His work ethic. He always wants more and more. He's never happy with what he does. This is amazing. The demand he put on himself and the team was unbelievable. I think everyone will agree that Cristiano was one of the best, if not the best player for Real Madrid.
"In terms of scoring goals, titles, individual records, team trophies, he was so influential. He was a leader on and off the pitch. It was such a pleasure to play with him all these years and to win so many trophies together."
However, the Croatian had previously hailed the greatness of Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi, saying after Croatia lost to Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals (via SportBible):
"I hope he 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."
Luka Modric and the legendary duo still play professionally despite being in their late 30s. The Croatian still plays for Real Madrid, while Ronaldo and Messi play for Al-Nassr and Inter Miami respectively.