Fans React to Jose Mourinho ‘Settling’ the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT Debate

• The Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate has resurfaced after Jose Mourinho's recent remarks
• Mourinho appeared to suggest that Messi is the greatest footballer of his generation, ranking him ahead of Ronaldo
• The comments have all but confirmed the 2022 World Cup winner as the GOAT in the eyes of some football fanatics

Football fans have responded to Jose Mourinho's recent comments about Lionel Messi, with many suggesting 'the Special One' may have settled the long-standing GOAT debate.

For nearly two decades, the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the sport, competing for both personal and team honours, while fans have endlessly debated who is superior.

Messi vs Ronaldo: The endless debate

In choosing who is the better of the two football icons, club and national loyalties can influence opinions on the matter, and personalities also affect perceptions of a player's greatness, per GOAL.

Who Zinedine Zidane picked between Messi and Ronaldo in GOAT debate

Football

Regardless, most people already have their preferred choice. Though the debate seemed to have quieted down after Messi's triumph at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, it has resurfaced once again.

What did Jose Mourinho say about Messi?

Mourinho's recent remarks about the Argentine playmaker have reignited the discussion.

When asked which player he would have loved to coach, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager named Messi without hesitation.

"Of course I would say the little guy, the little guy was not coachable, but I have to say that in our generation, he [Messi] was the best," the 61-year-old told TNT Sports.

Has Mourinho settled Ronaldo vs Messi debate?

Although the new Fenerbahce boss didn't directly address the GOAT debate, his description of the Inter Miami forward as the 'best' of his generation has led fans to interpret his remarks as an endorsement of the Argentine over Ronaldo.

Ankara Messi: What does this phrase mean, and where did it come from?

Football

@ezrandez claimed Mourinho's assertion answered the question:

"Mourinho knows who the real Goat is. He doesn’t rate Ronaldo."

@Austinooffical took a shot at Ronaldo fans:

"Bodied the whole of Ronaldo's fan base."

@Desmund_Oris claimed:

"Another Portuguese confirming Messi is the goat."

@mzjokzy07 added:

"Lol, everybody knows Messi is the best player ever."

@X_kennedy1 concluded:

"Messi has always been the best!"

Mourinho's thoughts on Ronaldo ahead of Euro 2024

Sports Brief also previously reported on Jose Mourinho's thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team ahead of the 2024 Euros in Germany.

Despite calls for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to be replaced by younger talent, Mourinho asserts that Ronaldo remains crucial for the Selecao's campaign.