Manchester United player Tom Heaton has attempted to settle the so-called ‘GOAT debate’ between Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
United legend Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford in 2022 after a fallout with Erik ten Hag, has often been pitted in the conversation for football’s best player of all time.
The 38-year-old Al Nassr forward’s legendary club playing career and success on the international stage with Portugal have secured his place in the sport’s history books.
However, Ronaldo’s fierce on-pitch rivalry with Messi has divided fans over who is the GOAT, with Pele and Diego Maradona among the other names in contention.
Messi, much like ex-United star Ronaldo, has experienced a prolific playing career for both club and country and is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time.
The Barcelona legend’s success at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, which earned him his eighth Ballon d’Or, saw many fans say that the ‘GOAT debate’ was over.
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Heaton on Ronaldo vs Messi GOAT debate
Heaton was at Old Trafford during Ronaldo’s first spell at United, with the former Juventus and Real Madrid star enjoying incredible success under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 37-year-old United ‘keeper linked up with the Portugal star for a second time after he returned to Old Trafford, with Ronaldo also returning to the club in 2021.
Speaking to MUTV, Heaton insisted that Ronaldo is the “GOAT” after spotlighting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s elite mentality, work ethic, drive and determination.
“In my opinion, the GOAT is Cristiano,” he said.
“Having been here with him the first time and then seeing how he improved, how he got better and made himself into the best player in the world.
“I’d just signed by the time he came back for his second stint, and seeing the same drive, hunger, being first in the gym, same appetite to work for me keeps him at that level.
“What he’s achieved has been incredible.”
Ronaldo vs Messi GOAT debate is difficult to settle
It is unsurprising that the GOAT debate between Ronaldo and Messi can often spark heated arguments over who is the outright best player of all time in football.
From Ferguson to Wayne Rooney to Paul Scholes, the GOAT debate has been a frequent topic of conversation for players, managers, fans and many more.
However, one thing that is truly undeniable is the influence that both Ronaldo and Messi have had on the sport and how they truly shook it to its core.
As both Ronaldo and Messi’s careers continue to inch closer to the end, their dominance on the world stage will be appreciated for decades to come.
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