Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Chelsea Legend Joe Cole Picks His GOAT

• Joe Cole has pinpointed who he believes is better between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• The Chelsea legend contends that one of the iconic veterans is the greatest player of his generation
• Ronaldo and Messi have won 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them, with five and seven respectively

Chelsea legend, Joe Cole has become the latest football personality to delve into the unending GOAT debate pitting Cristiano Ronaldo against Lionel Messi.

There is no doubt the two veterans are the greatest footballers of their generation, considering what they have accomplished on the pitch.

They have won an incredible combined 12 Ballon d'Or awards, with Messi carting home a record seven and Ronaldo five.

However, opinion among football lovers remains divided on who between the two football icons is the greatest of their generation.

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While many contend the debate was settled after the 2022 World Cup when Messi led Argentina to glory in Qatar, there are some who still contend that it is far from over.

Cole speaks on Messi-Ronaldo debate

Chelsea legend, Cole has now delved into the GOAT debate, with the former midfielder declaring Messi the greatest player of his generation.

According to the ex-England international, the Argentine put the debate to bed after he won the World Cup with his country.

"There's always a debate. What [Messi] has put to bed is the debate about this generation because he's won it all," Cole told BT Sport via Sportskeeda.

"I've never seen a player like him - I think he's the greatest player of all time; only Pele has a case against him. I think he stands next to him - not Ronaldo or Maradona, above them," he added.

Mourinho gives thoughts on GOAT

When Mourinho made his pick between Messi and Ronaldo

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Sports Brief also reported on veteran manager, Jose Mourinho once giving his thoughts on the eternal Messi-Ronaldo GOAT debate.

The Special One worked with his Portuguese compatriot at Real Madrid and that certainly influenced his opinion on the argument.

More than a decade ago, Mourinho was convinced that one of the two veterans had it more difficult and deserved more of the credit.