When Ronaldinho Named 3 Players Better Than Lionel Messi in GOAT Debate

• Lionel Messi has cemented his place as one of the best players of all time
• The Argentine has won an incredible eight Ballon d'Or awards in his career
• However, Ronaldinho contends there are three players better than Messi

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.

The Argentine has enjoyed an illustrious football career spanning about 20 years.

During this period, Messi has won multiple titles and individual awards, including a record-extending eight Ballon d'Or crowns.

The legendary forward also has a World Cup honour to his name, having helped Argentina win the global showpiece during the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar.

Despite his football success, opinion is always divided on whether the 36-year-old is the greatest footballer of all time.

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Ronaldinho names three players better than Messi

In 2019, Brazil legend Ronaldinho reflected on the never-ending GOAT debate, with the football icon giving a surprise answer to the question.

SPORTbible reports that, speaking on the subject after Messi had won his sixth Ballon d'Or award, Ronaldinho pointed out that there are three players better than the Inter Miami star.

"I’m glad Messi won the Ballon d’Or. We were also friends during our time at Barcelona. But I don’t like to compare, and I find it difficult to say he is the best of all time," he told MARCA, per SPORTbible.

"There was Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo... it’s hard to say that Messi is the best throughout the history of football," he added.

Coincidentally, both Ronaldinho and Messi played together during their time at Barcelona.

Ronaldinho quit the Catalan club in 2008 to join Serie A giants, where he spent about three years before he made a return to his native Brazil with Flamengo.

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How Messi beat Haaland to top award

Sports Brief also reported on how Lionel Messi beat Haaland to the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year prize despite the duo tying for votes.

The tiebreaker went down to team captain votes, and Messi emerged victorious as the likes of Harry Kane, Andy Robertson, Aaron Ramsey and Jonny Evans all voted for the Argentine.