Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has had his say on the GOAT debate as he picks between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Pique shocked the football world in November when he announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
In a career that spanned 18 years, Pique spent most of the time as a Barcelona player, getting his hands on multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.
On the International stage, Pique won both the Euro and the World Cup with Spain.
Pique is also one of the more fortunate players to have had the chance to share the pitch with both Messi and Ronaldo.
Before joining Barcelona to play with Messi, Pique was at Manchester United where he played alongside Ronaldo.
The Spaniard has now waded in on the GOAT debate, Pique told John Nellis’ YouTube channel: “Well, it’s true that the fight between the two in the last decade was quite impressive because both of them did incredibly well. I think that in terms of talent, Messi is number one, for sure. It’s true that Cristiano has worked very hard to try and compete and fight for that first spot but if you see the careers of both… I would choose Messi, for sure.
“He showed that even though he’s 35 he can compete as the best player in the world. He showed it in the World Cup.”
When asked whether he has spoken to Messi since Argentina’s World Cup triumph, Pique revealed: “Erm… not really. This is crazy but it’s true, I was disconnected from the World Cup. Since my retirement, I needed to disconnect from sports, so I didn’t watch any games apart from the final – and not the whole game.
“I tried to disconnect, I went on holiday for a few days. My last few months were tough as a pro and I really needed to disconnect from football.”
Since his retirement, Pique has spent time on his other interests which include a 7-a-side league in Spain.
David Beckham snubs Cristiano Ronaldo for Lionel Messi as the player he enjoys watching the most
Manchester United legend David Beckham has opened up on the player he admires the most out of Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Beckham enjoyed a prolific playing career at club level and captured major silverware during his spells at United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and PSG.
The 47-year-old ex-Madrid and PSG star, who retired from football in 2013, crossed paths with Barcelona legend Messi at the tail end of his glittering career.
Messi has etched himself in the history books as one of the best players of all time after an illustrious playing career at club level and on the international stage.
Ronaldo followed in the same footsteps as Beckham and established himself as a legendary United No 7 during his time at Old Trafford.
Both Messi and Ronaldo are frequently placed in the so-called GOAT debate alongside legendary Argentine Diego Maradona and Brazil icon Pele.
Beckham has been an admirer of Messi and Ronaldo, with both players having previously been linked with the United legend’s Inter Miami side.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina, the 47-year-old former England captain opened up on the player he enjoys watching the most on the pitch.
Beckham snubbed fellow United legend Ronaldo in favour of Messi, who was praised for his “incredible moment” in leading Argentina to the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
“It has to be Messi. I love Leo for many different reasons. I love him because he’s a great father,” he said.
“I love him because he’s a great personality, a character. He’s a great person. But I think what everybody loves about him is the way he plays the game.
“He plays the game with passion. He plays the game just free the way he plays. And I think this past World Cup again.
“I think the way he played for his team, for his country and to win that World Cup was an incredible moment for him. And I love watching players like him.”
