Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Real Madrid legend ends GOAT debate with blatant opinion

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In the present generation, football aficionados across the globe polarize for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The two mavericks of this century have ruled the footballing world for the past two decades and have contested fiercely for the elite accolades in the sport. The Argentina legend Messi represented FC Barcelona, whereas Ronaldo used to play for Real Madrid - perhaps the two biggest clubs in the world and arch-rivals of each other.

The debate on the supremacy between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is omnipresent, and it has taken another stir recently. Real Madrid legend Raul has cast his vote in the debate, thus igniting the flame which has been somewhat lost due to the pair's move away from European football.

Raul played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid for a season when the Portugal star made his then-record-money move from Manchester United. And the former Spain striker has high regard for Lionel Messi as he cast his opinion on the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate.

"I was lucky enough to play with Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo and Cristiano but Messi is different. He makes everything look so easy, so effortless - even the impossible," Raul said to Sports Illustrated.

"When you watch him [Messi] play, it's almost as though you are watching him in the street playing with his friends. From the time when I started, the best players around then were Roberto Baggio and Ryan Giggs," the former Real Madrid star continued.

The debate between Ronaldo and Messi fans regarding who deserves the title of the greatest of all time has been ongoing, with Ronaldo's success in European club football and Messi's recent World Cup victory with Argentina in December 2022 fueling the conversation. However, Raul's perspective offers a unique viewpoint, given his experience with and against both players.

Messi, in the blatant eye, has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of winning trophies for nation and club. The Argentina captain has led his country to three major tournament wins, which perhaps justifies Raul's pick in the debate.