When Didier Drogba Ended Football's Ronaldo vs Messi GOAT Debate

• Didier Drogba once said who was better between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
• Messi won the 2022 World Cup while Ronaldo is the world's highest-paid sports star
• Ronaldo and Messi have been a constant presence at the Ballon d'Or awards as well

Didier Drogba is among a number of top tier footballers who previously delved into the ever-divisive Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi debate.

The argument over which of the two football superstars is the greatest of all time has consistently divided many across the sports' spectrum.

The so-called GOAT debate has lasted for more than a decade now, with Ronaldo and Messi dominating the football space during the period.

The two veterans have engaged in numerous on-field clashes throughout their careers, most notably in fierce El Clasico battles for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

Both players have been recurring contenders at the Ballon d'Or awards as well. Despite their rivalry, however, they have mostly maintained a relationship of mutual respect.

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However, for his part, Ivorian legend, Drogba chose Ronaldo when he was once asked who he believed the better player of the duo was. The former Chelsea striker claimed it was 'a known fact':

"Everybody knows Ronaldo is better than Messi, not just me. But not everyone can admit it," Drogba told Marca, via Sportskeeda.

The Ivorian and the Portuguese stars were direct adversaries when Ronaldo was representing Manchester United in his first spell at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Drogba had multiple encounters with Messi in his career, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea and Barcelona treated fans to several unforgettable showdowns over the years.

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.

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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.

Drogba, Mourinho share special tributes

In news related to the Ivorian legend, Sports Brief reported on Drogba and Mourinho sharing tributes to each other on the 19th anniversary of the striker joining Chelsea.

The Blues legend was one of the Special One's recruits and his persistence paid off, with the two helping the team win the club's first Premier League title in five decades.