Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo: La Liga President Javier Tebas Settles GOAT Debate

• There is an eternal debate on the best between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• Messi looked to have put an end to the discussion after winning the 2022 World Cup
• La Liga president Javier Tebas is the latest to share his thoughts on the raging topic

La Liga president, Javier Tebas, shared his thoughts on the eternal GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and his choice was unexpected.

Messi and Ronaldo are arguably football’s greatest pair and rivals. They have been at the top of the football food chain for over 15 years and share 13 Ballon d'Or between them.

Both men left European football, with the Portuguese joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in January 2023 and his rival moving to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami in July of the same year.

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The two immaculate footballers continue their exploits at their new clubs. The Argentine helped Miami win its first-ever trophy and, according to fcbarcelona.com, became the most decorated footballer, while the former Real Madrid star influenced other players to join Saudi Arabia.

Tebas picks between Messi and Ronaldo

Tebas is a known Real Madrid fan and has been vocal about his alliance with the club despite being the president of the Spanish league.

The Spanish football executive speaking to Dsport via Sportskeeda waded into the debate.

“Lionel and Cristiano are the best two players in history, with Messi as the first. Players are important but not essential for a competition," he said.

“Trying to repeat it for so long, because Messi and Cristiano have been at the highest level since they were 18, it will never happen again, the stars have aligned.”

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Tebas also added that the two stars' departures from La Liga in 2018 and 2021 did not damage the league.

Rafa Nadal settled GOAT debate

Sports Brief reported on Rafael Nadal settling the GOAT debate stylishly due to his alliance with Real Madrid, as he is one of the club's celebrity fans.

The tennis star stated Argentina captain Lionel Messi was the better player, and he added that his connection with Los Blancos meant he had to stick with the former Manchester United star.