Messi never does that — Argentina legend explains why Ronaldo is better than his countryman

Messi never does that — Argentina legend explains why Ronaldo is better than his countryman

Faruq Ibrahim 23:52 - 09.02.2025

Argentina football legend picked Ronaldo over Messi in the GOAT debate.

Argentinian football legend Hugo Gatti explained the reason for his controversial stance that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi. 

The age-old debate is one of the greatest divides in sports history, with fans, players and coaches picking sides. More times than not, you can count on teammates and compatriots going the loyalty route in the debate, hence the surprise at Gatti’s choice. 

What Gatti said 

The 80-year-old is an Argentinian football icon through and through. The former goalkeeper holds the record for the most appearances in their national league, 756. He also had 52 appearances for the Albiceleste. 

In an interview, he submitted that Ronaldo was the superior footballer, citing the Portuguese's boldness as the reason for his choice. 

"Cristiano is better than Messi, and that holds true even now,” Gatti said, per Footboom. “That is the reality of the situation. Though CR7 is now playing at a different tempo, he continues to evolve his game while Messi plays in a league that lacks the same competitive quality."

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (Credit: Imago)

"I wish there were more players like Cristiano Ronaldo, as that would raise the standards and inspire others to embrace their potential and articulate their ambitions. 

“This quality sets him apart from Messi. I have never witnessed Messi taking such risks. Yet here is Cristiano proving himself consistently, even at 40 years of age. His accomplishments mirror those of legends like Pele.

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