“Messi doesn’t turn up in big games” - David James makes bold claim on Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time over Lionel Messi due to the latter failing to regularly turn up in big games. He has also backed Ronaldo to win the Golden Boot for Portugal at Euro 2024 ahead of their clash against the Czech Republic (June 18).
Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the GOAT debate over the years to no fixed consensus. The former is renowned for his incredible fitness levels and physical prowess, enabling him to thrive at the highest level at the age of 39. On the other hand, Messi is one of the most talented players in football history. He completed his trophy cabinet after guiding Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar.
While analyzing Portugal's upcoming fixture against the Czech Republic, James said (via Football Extra on Sony Sports Network):
“Yes [Ronaldo is my choice for Golden Boot at Euro 2024], I think he’ll score a free-kick as well."
He then explained why Cristiano Ronaldo will go down as the better player than Lionel Messi:
"When Rio Ferdinand says Ronaldo is the most hardworking player he played with, that is saying something. Definitely better than Messi, because Messi doesn’t turn up for big games all the time.
"I think the debate on who is the best was over a long time ago. Lionel Messi played well for one club, but Cristiano Ronaldo has proved himself in different leagues, in different continents by winning golden boots and through consistent performances. He is the image of something you want to be”
While Cristiano Ronaldo has a valid case of being regarded as the GOAT, claiming Lionel Messi doesn't turn up in big games can be considered a bit harsh. The Argentine ace scored a notable brace in the World Cup final against France, allowing his side to win on penalties.
He has also shone for Barcelona numerous times in the UEFA Champions League, including their 3-1 win in the 2011 final against Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Taking a statistical view at their club careers
One of David James' reasons as to why Cristiano Ronaldo was the GOAT was due to the latter's success in multiple leagues. Let's take a look at their club careers to see how both superstars stack up against one another:
Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 765 goals and provided 216 assists in 1019 competitive club appearances across all competitions, averaging 85 minutes per goal contribution. The Portugal icon has represented numerous clubs across his storied career - Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. He has won the European Golden Shoe on four occasions, and won seven league titles in total (Premier League (x3), La Liga (x2), and Serie A (x2)).
In contrast, Messi has garnered 729 goals and 319 assists in 882 club appearances in total, averaging 69 minutes per goal contribution. The former Barcelona megastar has better stats on average compared to Ronaldo but has challenged himself less, representing just three clubs in his career. He is also yet to match the latter's longevity on the pitch.
Despite this, Lionel Messi has captured the European Golden Shoe six times. He was also voted La Liga's best player nine times, and has won eight Ballons d'Or - the most in history. He has also lifted 12 league titles (La Liga (x10) and Ligue 1 (x2)).