Okocha settles Ronaldo-Messi GOAT debate with new verdict

Super Eagles legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has given his verdict on the never-ending GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ronaldo and Messi have been locked in a long-running debate for the greatest footballer of all time, with both players having enjoyed remarkable careers and achieved almost everything possible in the game.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to make history with his performances and remains one of the biggest names in football. The Portuguese forward has enjoyed spells with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr.

Ronaldo has won numerous individual and team honours throughout his career and is closing in on 1,000 career goals, another major milestone in an already outstanding career.

Messi, meanwhile, has also remained at the top alongside Ronaldo for several years. The Argentine reached another major milestone when he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Inter Miami star made his name at Barcelona, where he enjoyed a remarkable spell and won numerous trophies and individual awards. He has also won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden Shoes, while scoring more than 900 goals and providing over 400 assists in his career.

Okocha picks between Messi and Ronaldo

Former Nigeria superstar Okocha, who recently revealed the real reason behind his iconic name, has weighed in on the debate during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast.

The former PSG star, who was renowned for his flair during his playing career, believes Messi edges Ronaldo because of his natural talent and his ability to influence the game in different ways.

“I pick Messi over Ronaldo because Messi was born to play football, while Ronaldo is just a goal scorer for me”, Okocha said.

“Ronaldo is a special player. But he’s, for me, a goal scorer. He can score 10 million goals. He is a goal scorer. It’s like Haaland. Haaland is a goal scorer.

“But Messi, Messi, Messi is on another planet,” he added.

“Messi was born to play football, you know. Messi, I think Messi will get ill if he doesn’t play football. You know, he’s a genius.”

Both players continue to make headlines at this stage of their careers, with Messi featuring for Inter Miami in MLS while Ronaldo remains with Al Nassr and will be aiming to help the Saudi Arabian side compete for more honours this season.