“He’s still the best player in the world” - When Lionel Messi’s ex-coach raved over 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi's former Paris Saint-Germain coach, Christophe Galtier, lavished praise on the Argentine's arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo after one of the latter's performances in 2023.
Currently, the French tactician manages Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Duhail. After his team was beaten by Ronaldo's Al-Nassr 4-3 in a group-stage AFC Champions League match in October 2023, Galtier said (via GOAL):
"When you face Ronaldo, there isn't much you can do. He scored two beautiful goals. I'm at a loss for words to describe him. What he did is extraordinary for a 38-year-old. He's still the best player in the world."
On the night, Ronaldo bagged a brace, with the first of those being a ferocious left-footed effort from outside the box. He then added another by netting a first-time volley with his weaker foot from a tight angle.
Although Galtier claimed Ronaldo was still the best player in the world in 2023, many would disagree and back the 36-year-old Argentine superstar. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award on eight occasions, three times more than the Saudi Pro League man.
However, Ronaldo has scored an incredible 751 senior career goals and won the UEFA Champions League on five occasions. He also has three Premier League titles, and two La Liga and Serie A trophies to his name.
Meanwhile, Messi has netted 724 senior club career goals and lifted the UEFA Champions League thrice with Barcelona. He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and has been crowned La Liga champion 10 times.
How are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi performing for their respective teams this season?
Lionel Messi has enjoyed a good start to the new MLS season despite having to fight through a couple of injury worries. So far, he's played nine league games from which the former Barcelona man has netted nine times and assisted on five occasions.
His efforts have helped the Herons to the top of the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are approaching the closing stages of the season and are second in the Saudi Pro League. It's unlikely that they will catch league-leaders Al-Hilal, who are nine points ahead of Al-Nassr.
However, the ex-Juventus and Manchester United striker has enjoyed another stellar season. He's played 37 matches across competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, bagging 36 goals and 12 assists.