I look up to him, but he isn't the best — Premier League star settles Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

Lionel Messi (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo greet each other prior Riyadh All-Star XI vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at King Fahd Stadium. (Photo Credit: Imago)

I look up to him, but he isn't the best — Premier League star settles Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

Faruq Ibrahim 22:50 - 28.01.2025

On-form Premier League star has a unique approach to the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo.

Bournemouth midfielder Justin Kluivert gave a balanced viewpoint concerning the age-old debate that pits Lionel Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of Greatest of All Time. 

The 25-year-old is the son of legendary former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert. His birth and the first four years of his life coincided with his father's time as a Blaugrana; hence, it would have been understandable had he unequivocally backed Messi, another Barcelona legend, in the debate. 

However, Justin, who is one of the form players in the Premier League at the moment, with five goals in the last three games, including a hat trick against Newcastle, gave a considered response. 

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What Kluivert said 

Speaking on the Footy Culture podcast, the former AS Roma star was asked to name his football idol growing up, and he immediately named Messi. 

However, following a brief moment of reevaluating the question, he answered thusly: “If you say the best player, then Lionel Messi. But if you asked my idol, that I wanted to be like growing up, then Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Kluivert provides a unique perspective that could bridge the divide, as, while he admits to Messi's unassailable talents, he also credits Ronaldo for having many qualities worthy of emulation.

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