6 Other Sports Stars Who Chose Ronaldo Over Messi As Football GOAT

• Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo is a debate that extends beyond football
• Stars from other sports have weighed in on the debate on a few occasions
• Messi and Ronaldo are building new audiences in America and Saudi Arabia

One sports debate that has no definitive answer yet is the eternal GOAT debate between football superstars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated football since 2008.

For those who consider influence outside of the pitch, especially with his iconic celebrations and social media presence, the Portuguese star is highly favoured in that regard.

Sports Brief looks at the top 6 other sports stars who have mentioned Ronaldo as their football GOAT.

1. Virat Kohli

Kohli is one of cricket's greatest of all time and has mentioned his admiration for Ronaldo. According to MensXP, the Indian star has five reasons for choosing the Portuguese veteran, one of which is sharing similar life journeys as well as pathways in their sports.

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2. Usain Bolt

Bolt is tilted towards Ronaldo in the GOAT debate, as Sports Brief reported, though the Jamaican sprint legend also professed love for Argentina. He is a staunch Manchester United fan and has been seen at Old Trafford on a few occasions, citing winning in multiple leagues as the reason for picking the 38-year-old.

3. Conor McGregor

The Notorious One is one of UFC's best and chose Ronaldo as football's greatest of all time. McGregor applauded Ronaldo as a phenomenal athlete whose discipline and dedication are inspiring. The two met in Las Vegas in 2016.

4. Khabib Nurmagomedov

The retired Russian fighter is not only a fan, he is a friend of the former Manchester United forward. Khabib was at Old Trafford during Ronaldo's second spell and was presented with a number 7 jersey.

5. Anthony Joshua

The British-Nigerian Boxer is another top star from another sport who rates Ronaldo higher than Messi. The two superstars met in Dubai in 2019 during a New Year's Eve vacation.

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6. Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek-Nigerian basketballer does not hide his admiration for the Al-Nassr forward and wanted fellow Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal, to sign him. He is the co-owner of MLS franchise, Nashville SC and performed Ronaldo's siuuu celebration before the Leagues Cup loss to Messi's Inter Miami.

O’Neal picks Messi as GOAT

Sports Brief previously reported on NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal hailing Messi as the best, asking to meet the Argentine star who he has professed love for.

Big Shaq made this bold statement ahead of the Eastern Conference final in Miami, the city Messi would move to after his move to the MLS was made official.