Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and more: Sergio Aguero picks his all-time football XI
Former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has picked his compatriot Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo in his all-time XI. The 36-year-old retired midway through the 2021-22 season after the discovery of a heart condition.
Aguero is one of the most prolific strikers of his generation, having tasted success with Manchester City and with his good friend Messi at Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa America together.
As per GOAL, the former City man chose the legendary Gianluigi Buffon at goal in his all-time XI. Aguero chose the legendary Brazilian duo of Roberto Carlos and Cafu as the two full-backs, winners of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Current Liverpool man Virgil van Dijk and former Real Madrid defender Cafu have been chosen at the heart of defence.
In midfield, Aguero went with Manchester United legend Erik Cantona and Barcelona legend and former coach Xavi. He chose Ronaldo and Messi on the flanks and Ronaldo Nazario and Diego Maradona up front.
Among the players Ageuro chose in his dream XI, only Van Dijk, Messi and Ronaldo are still active. The latter two are also widely regarded as two of the best players to have graced the beautiful game.
How Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi fared in their last international tournament?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had mixed campaigns in their latest international tournaments. Ronaldo, 39, failed to score in five games - a first in 11 major-tournament appearances, as Portugal lost to France on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a goalless 120 minutes.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, though, did pick up an assist - in the 3-0 group-stage win over Turkey - which made him the joint assist-provider in Euros history (also Karol Poborsky).
Ronaldo is the first player to appear in six editions of the Euros but couldn't become the first to score in as many different editions. He notably missed his spot-kick in the Round-of-16 win over Slovenia on penalties but redeemed himself in the shootout by converting Portugal's first effort.
Meanwhile, Messi is currently in action at the 2024 Copa America, where defending champions Argentina play Colombia in the final in Miami on Sunday (July 14).
The 37-year-old has bagged a goal and an assist in four games as he moves to within a win of a fourth-straight senior title while La Alibeleste are on the cusp of becoming the first back-to-back Copa champions since Chile (2015-16).