THE MIRROR | ABIGAIL KIM
An unending and passionate argument among soccer fans around the world revolves around whether Messi or Ronaldo are the greatest of all time
G.O.A.T. — the greatest of all time. There can only be one GOAT, sparking debates around the soccer community as to who holds the title — with professional soccer players Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the top of the list. Both demonstrate special skill and versatility, captivating audiences across the world.
Ronaldo started playing for the Portugal team Sporting CP, where he was scouted by Manchester United in the Premier League. He would build his career by winning a Ballon d’Or and moving to Real Madrid, soon winning four Champions League trophies before moving to Juventus in Serie A, then back to Manchester United in 2021. Finally, he settled in Al Nasser in the Saudi Professional League.
“I like Ronaldo because I think he’s a better player and I’ve always looked up to him,” senior Dylan Villaviencio said. “I think his shooting and power contributed a lot to that. I admire his discipline and work ethic.”
Messi started his professional career in Barcelona where he would make history by winning four Ballon d’Ors in a row and staying at the club nearly his entire career. In 2021, Messi transferred to PSG, then moved to Inter Miami in the MLS in 2023.
Messi is most known for his incredible dribbling skills and ability to make chances to score.
“I choose Messi because I think his technical skills make him a better player,” senior Elisabeth Tafoya said. “His dribbling and passes make him a better player. I idolize his skills and playmaking.”
Both have achieved success through hard work and dedication, though many regard Messi’s skill derives from talent while Ronaldo’s comes from years of hard work.
This becomes a huge point of contention as people constantly bring up how it made each of them famous.
Messi was scouted by FC Barcelona at 13 years old because of his talent and skills, making him stand out. Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach saw lots of talent in him and wanted to sign him despite concerns of his growth disorder. He didn’t have an actual contract with him, so he got a napkin and wrote the contract on it, officially signing Messi to the team in 2000.
Ronaldo was scouted by Manchester United while playing against them in 2003 in a pre-season friendly match. The defenders of Manchester United found it very difficult to stop him and Ronaldo just wouldn’t give up on scoring. After the game, coach Sir Alex Ferguson decided to sign him.
Statistics say that Messi is better than Ronaldo. Messi has more assists (379), more trophies — including individual awards (46) — and a higher career goal ratio per game, meaning he’s more likely to score in a game than Ronaldo.
However, Ronaldo has more goals than Messi, the majority of which are penalties. Across professional soccer, penalties have a 70% chance of scoring, meaning it’s almost a certain goal. If you compare their goals without penalties, Messi has more goals.
Ultimately, regardless of statistics, the choice is yours to decide. Does skill precede hard work, or should the numbers speak for themselves?