Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to split the opinions of spectators and fellow footballers as they keep running riot with their incredible exploits on the pitch. West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has joined a host of other players in choosing his favorite among the iconic duo.
The Englishman has picked Messi over Ronaldo, although he admits the choice was difficult considering the immense exploits of the two superstars over the years.
Rice explained that he gave the nod to the Argentine because of the magical stuff he does with the ball at his feet.
When asked to name the greatest footballer in history during a 41 Questions with Gary Neville session, the 23-year-old replied:
"Messi. Obviously, it's such a hard question because what he and Ronaldo have done is like a freak of nature, no one will ever do that ever again."
"But, Messi what he does with the football, it's so special I love it, I don't think we'll ever see a player like him ever again."
It goes without saying Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the football world in a way that has never been witnessed before. The two superstars have a whopping 12 Ballon d'Or awards between them, with the Argentine claiming seven and the Portuguese winning five.
Moreover, the eternal rivals have won everything there is to win in club football: multiple Champions League crowns, several league titles, and many domestic cups. They've also proven themselves at the international level, leading their respective nations to claim continental trophies.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's stats so far this season
It hasn't been the best of starts for Lionel Messi at PSG this season, but the 34-year-old has made a couple of important contributions for the Parisians. So far, he's recorded six goals and six assists to his name in 18 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has recorded 14 goals and three assists in 24 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions.
It remains to be seen how many goals and assists the duo will end the campaign with.
Risabikmny
61
Lionel Messi is a player marker not just a goal scorer
Yuteiloy
58
When you can't help but celebrate the goal of the GOAT
Bikis2
35
Most football players chose Messi over Ronaldo, they know better than all of us
rahadeklor
34
king Messi is always the best
zooabetuy
33
no doubt messi is the footballer in the world
MessiIfolo
19
"But, Messi what he does with the football, it's so special I love it, I don't think we'll ever see a player like him ever again." Any player with hunger and unwavering desire can and will replicate and surpass what Ronaldo’s has done. All it takes is hard work like he also believe. If Haland won’t slow down he’s breaking Ronaldo’s goal scoring record soon. But to replicate what Messi has done you have to be Lionel Messi incarnate- because no hard work or desire can help you, because if you are not born a god you can’t grow to be one.
Mangisha
17
I think half of English footballers are Messi fans. I know Rooney, Ferdinand and most Man U past and present are fans of Messi. They do love Ronaldo too. But like Rice said, it's the way Messi plays which separates him from the rest. He has a unique football.