Monday, July 20, 2026

GOAT Debate: Cristiano Ronaldo declares self better footballer than Lionel Messi

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi began close to 20 years ago.

• November 3, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi [Credit: British GQ]

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself a better footballer than his long-time rival Lionel Messi, saying he doesn’t want to be humble in the unending ‘Greatest of All Time’ debate about the two football greats.

“Messi is better than me? I don’t agree. I don’t want to be humble…,” the former Manchester United player said in an excerpt of his interview with British media personality and friend Piers Morgan.

In the clip from the interview set to be released on Tuesday, the Portuguese international said he disagrees with the notion that Messi is a better footballer than him.

He said this when he was asked about his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney maintaining that Messi is football’s greatest player ever.

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi began close to 20 years ago and has grown into one of the greatest sports arguments of all time, with fans of both icons constantly embroiled in debate, affirming their player is the better one.

While Messi has been seen as mostly reluctant about declaring himself as the better footballer between the duo, Ronaldo has never shied away from insinuating his supremacy.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang

States

Mutfwang hails Tinubu for approving dualisation of Plateau-Taraba road

Mr Mutfwang particularly thanked Mr Yilwatda for his strategic engagement and commitment to the development of Plateau State at all times.

Peter Obi

NationWide

Obi thanks God @65, donates ₦10 million to rural hospital in Anambra community

Mr Obi expressed gratitude to God and renewed commitment to the service of humanity.

Triumphant Spain

Heading 3

Spain lift 2026 World Cup after beating Messi’s Argentina

The defeat meant that Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates failed to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 64 years.

Map of Kano State

States

Fire service rescues man trapped under collapsed Kano wall

The PRO said that the victim was rescued alive and conveyed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State.

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu

Heading 1

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu for 2027 Ogun governorship race

Mr Adebutu accused successive administrations of denying local governments the financial independence needed to drive development.