"He's very different" - Real Madrid legend explains why Lionel Messi in the GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zindane and Luis Figo

Real Madrid legend Raul has surprisingly named Lionel Messi as the best player ever, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. He claimed that the Argentine was also better than Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, and Luis Figo.

Speaking to EDYYN (via Mundo Deportivo), Raul said that Messi makes everything look easy on the pitch. The Spaniard said that the Argentine was dominating football like he was playing on the streets with his friends, and said:

“I've been fortunate to play with players like Zidane, Cristiano, Ronaldo, [Luis] Figo... but I think Messi is the best, he's very different. He makes everything look easy, things you see as impossible, he makes them look easy, as if he were playing with his friends in the street.”

Raul also heaped praise on Messi and Ronaldo in 2014, saying that they were the best players in the history of the game and said (via SI):

"I think now he [Cristiano] is at the top, and if continues the same way, he could be the best of all time. I think Cristiano and Lionel Messi are two of the best players in the history of the game. Are they better than Pele or Diego Maradona? They are at the top, but I think it is difficult in football to say who is first or second or third. But if Cristiano continues for five years..."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated football for over 15 years. They have won 13 Ballon d'Ors between them, with the Argentine taking it home eight times.

Lionel Messi rivalry is over, said Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media in 2023, claiming that his rivalry with Lionel Messi was done. He said that the duo pushed each other to do better on the pitch and said (via NBC Sports):

“The rivalry is over. It was good, a healthy rivalry that spectators liked a lot. Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice-versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it.” “We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing. He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I’ve seen, and so have I. It’s about continuing. The legacy continues. The rivalry, I don’t see things like that. I’ve already said, we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could face off at the FIFA World Cup this summer if they play for their respective nations. Argentina and Portugal will need to win their respective groups and their two knockout-stage games to set up the quarterfinal clash.

Edited by Sripad