Ronaldo Names Himself, Messi As Football GOATs Alongside One Other Legend

• Cristiano Ronaldo has named a player he ranks alongside himself and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate
• The two football icons have always demonstrated an immeasurable amount of respect for each other
• As both stars approach the twilight of their careers, they have journeyed to different parts of the world

The impact of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on football continues to create a division among fans and experts as they debate who is the superior player.

Their dominance at the highest level of the sport over the past two decades has turned the discussion of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) into a two-horse race.

After a tumultuous second spell with Manchester United, Ronaldo took charge of the new Saudi Arabian drive, spearheading a growing list of high-profile players heading to the Middle East.

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Meanwhile, his eternal rival embarked on the American Dream by swapping Europe for Major League Soccer in the United States, Mirror reports.

Despite their fierce rivalry, Ronaldo and Messi have often expressed mutual admiration and respect. On the occasions where they have been compared, the veterans have not hesitated to pay glowing tributes to each other.

In one such instance, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner mentioned Messi and another player whom he considers among the greatest he has ever seen.

During a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, which played a part in Ronaldo's departure from Man United, the host inquired about the best player the star had ever witnessed, excluding himself.

In response, as quoted bySportBIBLE, the Portuguese veteran said:

“Probably [Messi], yes. Him [and] Zidane probably - that I have played and fought with.”

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Messi labelled a 'complete' footballer

Meanwhile, 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.

The three-time World Footballer of the Year winner was of the opinion that Messi was a 'more complete' footballer than longstanding rival, Ronaldo, as Sports Brief reported.

Ronaldo leads Messi among best-paid

Sports Brief also reported on Ronaldo topping the best-paid athletes list in the world, according to Forbes, with his annual earnings since moving to Al-Nassr.

The Portuguese veteran also claimed the current Guinness World Record for the top-earning sportsman, knocking his famed rival - Messi - from the top spot.