The GOAT debate is one that has raged on for some time now, with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi often pipped up against his long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whether you are comparing their goal record, their trophies won, or even their impact on the game as a whole – the Messi and Ronaldo debate has always and will always split opinion.
For example, former Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard also believes Messi is the GOAT, meanwhile, USMNT star Weston Mckennie claimed Ronaldo is the greatest.
Then there are other people who simply cannot decide between the two, such as Inter Miami target Paul Pogba who could not choose between Messi and Ronaldo.
Pogba’s indecisiveness, however, isn’t felt by one of he is ex-teammates, with Marcus Rashford certain about who he thinks is soccer’s greatest.
Marcus Rashford claims Lionel Messi is the GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo
Rashford, who is reportedly open to an MLS move in the future, gave his verdict on the notorious Messi vs Ronaldo battle back in 2018.
In an interview with CNN, a 20-year-old Rashford was quizzed on what he thinks of the Inter Miami star, stating:
“Some of the stuff that he does is unbelievable,” the Manchester United man said. “I’m a big fan of (Cristiano) Ronaldo as well, but I think Messi is the greatest ever.”
A year after that interview, Rashford would go on to feel the full effect of the Argentine’s greatness, when Messi scored two in Barcelona’s 3-0 demolition of Man United in the Champions League quarter-final.
Rashford hailed Ronaldo as ‘idol’ despite GOAT snub
Having snubbed Ronaldo in the GOAT debate, Rashford would actually get the chance to play with him years later, when the Portuguese attacker returned to Old Trafford in 2021.
Despite scoring an impressive 24 goals in his first season back, Ronaldo’s time at Man United would not go as planned and the former Madrid man would eventually leave for Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on his time playing with Ronaldo, Rashford would go on to thank his “idol” in a 2022 England press conference.
“Listen, it’s been an unbelievable experience to play with him,” said Rashford.
“He’s obviously one of my idols and someone I’ve always looked up to. So to have the opportunity to play with him is unbelievable and I’ll take that with me and it’s something that I can keep with me forever.”