Ronaldo or Messi? When Louis Van Gaal 'Ended' GOAT Debate With Controversial Claim

• Louis Van Gaal has managed top clubs across Europe in his illustrious career
• The Dutchman is among the high-profile personalities to delve into the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate
• Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the football scene for years, with the pair sharing 12 Ballon d'Or titles between them

Former Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal previously shared his perspective on the never-ending Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi GOAT debate.

Ronaldo and Messi remain at the centre of discussions among footballing figures and fans, with opinions sharply divided, even in the twilight of their illustrious careers.

The two legends have collectively accumulated an impressive total of 12 Ballon d'Or awards.

Following Messi's triumphant leadership in guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four months ago, a growing number of fans and pundits have bestowed upon him the title of the greatest of all time.

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However, the debate surrounding the status of the GOAT remains lively, especially considering recent comments made by Van Gaal, as both the Inter Miami magician and Ronaldo continue to divide opinions among footballing figures.

Van Gaal: Ronaldo over Messi

Speaking on the legendary duo, the former Netherlands coach heaped praises on the two iconic superstars and described them as the best players of their era.

Van Gaal, 71, then disclosed his preference for the Portuguese legend in the GOAT debate.

"And the big question, Messi or Cristiano? The best players of this period are Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Choosing between them is difficult," Van Gaal told Onda Cero, via Sportskeeda.

"Ronaldo has more results than Messi in titles. Messi has more individual awards, but Ronaldo is more of a team player. So you have to choose, I'm more of a team coach than an individual player. Messi may be the best football player, but you have to play as a team."

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Van Gaal retires

As reported by the BBC, Louis van Gaal bid farewell to his coaching career after a heartbreaking quarterfinal defeat to Argentina in the penalty shootout of the 2022 World Cup.

Throughout his illustrious career, Van Gaal, initially a physical education teacher, successfully guided top-tier clubs across Europe, leaving his mark at Ajax in the Netherlands, Barcelona in Spain, Bayern Munich in Germany, and Manchester United in England.

Drogba calls the GOAT debate

Sports Brief has also reported on Didier Drogba being among a number of top-tier footballers who previously delved into the ever-divisive Ronaldo versus Messi debate.

For his part, the Ivorian legend chose Ronaldo as the GOAT when he was asked who he believed the better player of the star duo was, claiming it was 'a known fact'.