Ronaldo's teammate picks Messi as the GOAT

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa, formerly Ronaldo's teammate at Juventus, has recently affirmed that Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer ever, closing the long-standing GOAT controversy spanning twenty years.

The two-decade-long debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldoseems to have gained another noteworthy voice. Liverpool star Federico Chiesa, who was once Ronaldo’s teammate at Juventus, recently stated: “Messi is the best player in football history.”

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Chiesa expressed great respect for Ronaldo, with whom he had the chance to play in Turin. “I was very fortunate to play alongside one of the greatest champions in history. Ronaldo is a role model for spirit, professionalism, and the desire to win. He always inspires those around him,” Chiesa shared.

However, when asked who the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is, Chiesa did not hesitate to choose Messi. “I played with Ronaldo, which was an amazing experience. But honestly, I believe Messi is the greatest player,” he added.

This opinion marks a shift in Chiesa’s view compared to a few years ago. Back in 2019, before Messi had won the World Cup, the Italian player considered Ronaldo to be the perfect example of effort and discipline. At that time, he said CR7 “doesn’t have the natural talent of Messi but compensates with hard work and total dedication.”

Now, after Messi has won 8 Ballon d’Or awards and the 2022 World Cup, many players and experts have tipped the scale toward the Argentine superstar. Although Ronaldo continues to chase records and aims to score 1,000 career goals, Chiesa’s statement further strengthens the belief that Messi’s era has been defined.

Although the “Messi or Ronaldo, who is greater” argument may never end, Chiesa’s remarks, coming from someone who was mentored by Ronaldo, add an insider’s testimony to the football world: “Messi is number one.”

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