Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Brazilian Wonderkid Endrick Picks His GOAT as Fans React

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Brazilian Wonderkid Endrick Picks His GOAT as Fans React

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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  • Brazilian wonderkid Endrick has picked his preference between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
  • The teenager is set to join La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid next summer when he turns 18
  • At the age of 17 years and 118 days, Endrick became Brazil's fourth-youngest player after his debut against Colombia

Real Madrid-bound Brazilian rising star Endrick Felipe has dived into the enduring debate about the greatest footballer between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Endrick, who earned his first call-up to the Brazilian national team at 17 due to standout performances with Palmeiras, willingly engaged in the divisive discussion that continues to split footballers, fans, and pundits.

Despite awaiting his move to Santiago Bernabeu next summer, the young talent is already experiencing top-tier football with Brazil.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Endrick Felipe, Lionel Messi, GOAT
Brazilian sensation Endrick Felipe has revealed his stance between the never-ending Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi GOAT debate. Photos by Carlos Rodrigues, Daniel Jayo and Marcos Brindicci
Source: Getty Images

His international debut occurred as the Selecao suffered an unexpected 2-1 loss against Colombia in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Ronaldo or Messi? Endrick picks his GOAT

Looking forward to Brazil's much-anticipated encounter with Argentina in the qualifiers, Endrick openly admitted his preference for Ronaldo over his age-old adversary.

This choice comes despite Messi's accumulation of eight Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup title during his time with former clubs Barcelona and PSG.

"About Messi, it's phenomenal. Very good, best in the world again," the Palmeiras star told a press conference as quoted by GOAL.
"I just want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, being in the same stadium as him, looking at him up close. I only saw him in the video game.
"Messi is a great player, but I'm more of a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now I'm seeing Messi up close. It's going to be wonderful."

How fans reacted to Endrick's choice

One fan, @ReyesDeUniverso wrote:

"This is why he's destined for greatness and joining Real Madrid, ditching Barcelona."

Another user, @RidhaYahiya, suggested Brazilians have a soft spot for Cristiano Ronaldo:

"Most Brazilian players love it, and this is confirmed by their celebration when scoring goals."

@Ademo_la added:

"He knows the real GOAT! Wow. Wonder kid. Cristiano Ronaldo."

@dxmiszn touted Ronaldo's greatness over his archrival:

"All the youngsters who are actually talented are always picking Ronaldo; only Barcelona youngsters idolize Messi, which says a lot."

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Endrick tipped to surpass Ronaldo

Sports Brief additionally covered insights on the incoming Real Madrid talent, Endrick, drawing parallels to Ronaldo Nazario's mindset, as per his former youth coach at Palmeiras, Paulo Victor.

The coach expressed confidence in his former protege's potential to thrive at La Liga's prestigious club, highlighting the young forward's attributes that might propel him to surpass the legacy of his illustrious compatriot.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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