He can play as a defender — Former Liverpool star takes sides in Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

He can play as a defender — Former Liverpool star takes sides in Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

Faruq Ibrahim 21:03 - 30.03.2025

A former Premier League star offered an interesting angle in the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has provided a fresh perspective on the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The 42-year-old was teammates with Messi at Barcelona and Argentina and is now his coach in Miami. While it came as no surprise that he picked the former Paris Saint-Germain star as the GOAT, his reason was intriguing. 

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What Mascherano said 

In a press conference for the Herons, the former Liverpool star was quizzed on the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo. He wasted no time naming his former teammate, citing the Argentine’s completeness. 

“I think Messi is the greatest player in history. Never will be like him. It's impossible,” Mascherano said, per ESPN

“20 years in the top, scoring, playing. And he's the total player, you know; he can play as a striker, as a midfielder. 

Javier Mascherano head coach and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the round of 16 second leg match between Cavalier and Inter Miami as part of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 || Image credit: Imago
Javier Mascherano head coach and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the round of 16 second leg match between Cavalier and Inter Miami as part of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 || Image credit: Imago

“Also, if you put him to defend, he is the best defender. I can assure you. I saw that. So at the end for me, I don't have any doubt.”

Mascherano’s reasoning offers a fresh perspective to the GOAT debate, as Ronaldo is the one typically associated with completeness, given his physical gifts. 

In one of his more recent interviews, the Portugal international leaned into the narrative, as he dubbed himself the most complete footballer in the history of the sport. 

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