TA new chapter has been added to his discussion of who is the greatest soccer player in history. Current stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, or historical figures like Pell, Ronaldo Nazrio and Diego Maradona are examples that often come up in this discussion.
But for the former Chelsea star, there is no doubt about it. Messi is better than any other player and only one player can “argue” that he is on the same level as Messi.
Is Leo Messi the GOAT of soccer? Here’s what Cole thinks
Former midfielder Joe Cole knows what it’s like to face CR7 and his scoring ability. He mainly excelled with Chelsea FC (2003-2010), winning three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups. He also played for West Ham United, Liverpool, Lille and Aston Villa.
But his experience playing against the Portuguese star didn’t seem to be enough to dislodge the Argentine captain from the number one spot in the sport’s most talked-about rivalry of the past 20 years.
“Every football player, no matter what they won, has some regrets. And I think Cristiano Ronaldo probably puts his head on the pillow at night and thinks, ‘I wish I was as good as Messi,’ you know what I’m saying?” Cole said in an interview with TNT Sports (via Orr).
The truth is, if you look at their goals, assists, and titles, for example, the scales are tipped in favor of one player or the other. Currently, the Portuguese has scored 965 goals in 1,306 games, while the Argentine has scored 901 goals in 1,143 games, but has more assists (409 vs. 251) and titles (48 vs. 35). But for the former Chelsea player, it was Lionel who could “achieve everything” and “sleep well”.
The former Aston Villa and West Ham player brushed aside any doubts about his stance, declaring: “Messi has settled the debate for this generation.” In other words, only legendary players can match Messi.
I think he’s the best player of all time. The only person who can take his side in that argument is Pell. I don’t think Cristiano, Ronaldo Nazario or Maradona are at his level. I think he surpassed them all. Now he is on par with Pell.
CR7 and Messi continue to make history
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is going through one of the most difficult and unusual periods of his professional career, with the opinions of fans, legends, analysts and former players fueling the debate. He has been away from the field since February 28, when he was substituted in the 3-1 match between Al Nasr and Al Faiha due to a hamstring injury.
As a result, he was not only unable to continue playing for the team, but also missed the Portugal national team’s World Cup warm-up match against Mexico (0-0), and will also be unable to participate in the game against the USMNT to be held on the 31st at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. According to reports, he is expected to be ready to play in the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nasr and Al Najma SC on April 3.
Meanwhile, although Messi did not score a goal, he did manage to win the friendly against Argentina (2-1) against Mauritania, and is already preparing to face Zambia at La Bombonera Stadium on the 31st. He will then resume his career with Inter Miami. In MLS games, they will host Austin at New Stadium on Saturday the 4th, and RB New York on the 11th.
