Lionel Messi vs Ronaldo: Former Arsenal Star Names 2 ‘Purely’ Talented Players Better Than GOAT Duo

Lionel Messi vs Ronaldo: Former Arsenal Star Names 2 ‘Purely’ Talented Players Better Than GOAT Duo

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
April 28, 2024 at 6:02 AM
In this article:
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
Inter Miami CF logo
Club Internacional de Futbol Miami
United States
27
Al Nassr FC logo
Al Nassr
Saudi Arabia
33
Samir Nasri logo
S. Nasri
Anderlecht logoMFrance logo
Ronaldinho
Sao Luiz(RS) logo--
  • Samir Nasri has weighed in on the never-ending GOAT debate
  • He named two football icons better than Ronaldo and Messi
  • The ex-France star believes they outshine the GOAT duo in talent

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Former France international Samir Nasri has stirred up some controversy with his assessment of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's talent.

The debate over who holds the title of the greatest footballer of all time remains fiercely contested. Personal biases and club loyalties often shape people's opinions on the matter.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, Ronaldinho Gaucho, GOAT, debate, pure, talent.
Samir Nasri believes that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo don't match Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho in terms of talent. Photos by Maddie Meyer and Yasser Bakhsh.
Source: Getty Images

Messi vs Ronaldo: the never-ending GOAT debate

However, over the past two decades, two names have consistently stood out in the GOAT conversation: Messi and Ronaldo, as noted by GOAL.

The Argentine maestro and the Portuguese powerhouse dominated La Liga, Europe, and, to a greater extent, the world during their prime years, representing Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.

Now in their late 30s and nearing the end of their careers, they continue to captivate audiences with their goal-scoring prowess and record-breaking exploits.

While Messi now plies his trade with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Ronaldo's influence extends to enticing top-tier talents to consider lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League.

Their impact on the sport is undeniable. Yet, when comparing them to other football legends, opinions diverge.

While some argue that Messi and Ronaldo surpass any player in history, others believe there are contenders who rival their greatness.

2 players better than Messi and Ronaldo

Nasri, who featured for Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League during his playing days, holds the view that despite their numerous accolades, Messi and Ronaldo cannot match the pure talent of two Brazilian icons.

In Nasri's estimation, Ronaldinho Gaucho and Ronaldo Nazario de Lima possess an unparalleled level of innate skill that sets them apart from the rest, including the celebrated duo of Messi and Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo and Ronaldinho extinguish Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of pure talent," he conveyed to AmineMaTueTV in French, translated into English, per EuroFoot.

Who is the GOAT? Celebs choose between Messi and Ronaldo

Sports Brief previously highlighted the ongoing GOAT debate, revealing the preferences of both sports figures and celebrities regarding Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

While Hollywood stars such as Will Smith and Chris Pratt advocate for Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time, multitalented personalities like Jennifer Lopez, known for her prowess in acting, singing, and dancing, along with Rihanna, firmly believe that CR7 deserves the title.

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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