Ronaldo Once Described Messi as a ‘Complete Footballer’ in Debate on GOAT

• Lionel Messi was once described as a 'complete footballer' by another legend of the sport
• Fans have debated Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the sport's GOAT for over two decades
• A 2002 World Cup winner has given his verdict on who between the veterans is superior

The debate over which player is superior - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo - is perhaps the most divisive argument in football, drawing varying opinions from fans and experts alike.

Even after sharing the football stage for over a decade, distinguishing between the two veterans has become increasingly challenging for all spectrums of the sport.

With compelling opinions and extensive statistics to support their claims, supporters of both Messi and Ronaldo have remained unyielding in the perpetual debate.

Ronaldo Nazario, the former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker, added his voice to the ongoing debate and revealed his preference between the two icons in 2013.

Who is the GOAT of soccer? Messi, Cr7, Pele, Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho

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"I would stick with Messi. It is difficult. It is like when you are looking to buy a house, and they offer you many nice ones, but you need to pick one," the 2002 World Cup winner said, as quoted by Bleacher Report.

Ronaldo Nazario, a three-time World Footballer of the Year winner, was of the opinion that Messi was a 'more complete' footballer than his longstanding rival.

"Messi seems more complete to me, or at least more decisive. In the important moments, he appears and scores goals."

According to GOAL, the 36-year-old Argentine is in pole position to win a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or prize, stretching the gap between himself and his eternal nemesis, who now plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

Zidane chooses Messi vs Ronaldo

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported on Zinedine Zidane's past remarks on the 'greatest of all time' debate resurfacing, drawing attention to the discussion once again.

Who Zinedine Zidane picked between Messi and Ronaldo in GOAT debate

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The former French international was previously asked to pick between Messi and Ronaldo as the best and explained why he thought one veteran was superior to the other star.

Scientific research settles GOAT debate

Still on the never-ending Ronaldo vs Messi debate, Sports Brief reported that scientific research had attempted to settle the discussion on which of the pair of stars was better.

The two football icons have dominated the football scene for years, winning 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them. A Liverpool researched believed science could set the winner.