Messi or Ronaldo: Austin Jay Jay Okocha reveals why he ‘prefers’ Inter Miami forward over Al-Nassr star

Messi and Ronaldo wowed La Liga during their prime seasons at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, with incredible goals, dribbling, and assists

Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has shared his opinion on the eternal Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate, revealing that he considers Messi as the greatest of all time “GOAT,” Soccernet.ng reports.

Okocha, a former Bolton Wanderers star, acknowledged the immense talent and achievements of both Messi and Ronaldo but expressed a preference for the Argentine forward, highlighting Messi's natural skill and ability, which he believes sets him apart.

It is no longer news that the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has been a long-standing discussion among football fans, pundits, and enthusiasts.

During their prime years at Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, Messi and Ronaldo dazzled in La Liga with their incredible goals, dribbling, and assists, providing unforgettable moments for football fans worldwide.

Both players have won numerous awards, including multiple Ballon d'Or titles. Messi has been awarded the prestigious honour seven times, while Ronaldo has claimed it five times.

However, Okocha believes that while Ronaldo's success is a product of hard work, Messi's exceptional talent is more innate.

“I think both of them rightly deserve to be GOATs (greatest of all time), but I prefer Messi. As for me… I mean… Cristiano Ronaldo is typical of what you can achieve with hard work, but for Messi, everything comes naturally… and he works hard as well.” Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, Okocha stated,

As Messi and Ronaldo's careers in top European leagues come to a close, with both now playing in the MLS and Saudi Pro League, respectively, a new generation of young stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé is rising to prominence.