“The true GOAT, does he do any tricks?” - Arjen Robben on Lionel Messi after comparison with ‘skilful’ Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Ronaldinho
Former Netherlands international Arjen Robben has compared Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Ronaldinho on the 'skill' quotient. While Messi is busy with Argentina at 2024 Copa America, Ronaldo is in action with Portugal at UEFA Euro 2024.
While Messi and Ronaldo are often regarded as the two best players of all time, opinion is always divided on who is the better of the two. Both players are still going strong despite being on the wrong side of 30, having scored over 800 goals for club and country. Both stars haven't yet scored in their respective international assignment, though, but have notched up an assist each.
Robben provided his take on the eternal debate by siding with Messi, sidelining Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, explaining that the Argentinian doesn't need any 'tricks' due to his immaculate ball control (via AFC AJAX):
"You just mentioned players who indeed are skillful with tricks. But I always ask myself: the greatest ever, the true GOAT, does he do any tricks? Messi doesn't need that because of his unique control"
Ronaldinho, meanwhile, hung up his boots nearly a decade ago.
A look at Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho's exploits in international football
While all three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho are Ballon d'Or winners, they have had varying success in international football with their respective teams.
Ronaldinho tasted international success early, winning the 1999 Copa America and the FIFA World Cup three years later. In 2005, he won the Ballon d'Or, inspiring Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League title that year.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo won his first major international title with Portugal at Euro 2016, beating France 1-0 in extra time in the final. It was his seventh international tournament.
Although he barely played half an hour in the title match, hobbling off injured, Ronaldo cheered on his mates as they won their first European Championship. Three years later, Ronaldo and Co. clinched the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
Messi, meanwhile, broke his international trophy duck at the 2021 Copa America, beating hosts Brazil 1-0 in the final. A year later, he won the Finalissima before landing the big prize - the 2022 FIFA World Cup - to 'complete' football.
Lionel Messi is now looking to win a fourth straight international title with the Albiceleste, who are into the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa America. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is looking to win his second European Championship, with his Portugal side to take on Slovenia in the Round of 16 on July 1 in Frankfurt.