Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? When Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr picked between the two GOATs (Source: All images from Getty)
Back in October 2023, Vinicius Jr switched his stance in the debate between the two GOATs (Greatest of All Time) Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both legendary superstars no longer play in Europe, with Messi now in the MLS and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. However, the debate around their rivalry has persisted.
This debate has long been discussed by fans, pundits, and even players, with Vinicius Jr notably sharing his thoughts back in 2017. At the time, the Brazilian teenager was asked to choose the best player in the world, and he opted for the legendary Argentine playmaker (via SPORTbible):
“Messi or Cristiano? … Messi, Messi.”
Vinicius broke into Flamengo's first team in that period, and his talent was recognized by Real Madrid, who signed him for €45 million in 2018. The 24-year-old has grown to become one of the best players in the world currently, coming in second place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings.
