After Cristiano Ronaldo professed himself as the greatest player of all time, one of his ex-team-mates chose between the Al-Nassr ace and Lionel Messi
The former Germany international played alongside Ronaldo for seven years at Real Madrid and Juventus. As well as sharing a dressing room with the ex-Manchester United star.
Khedira also had many battles against Messi while the Argentine was at his peak, playing for Barcelona.…CONTINUE READING
Sami Khedira has thrown his weight behind Cristiano Ronaldo in football’s eternal GOAT debate, picking the Portuguese star over Lionel Messi.
Khedira’s comments came soon after the Al-Nassr forward professed himself as “the greatest scorer in history”. The Ronaldo vs Messi debate is one that will rumble on for years, despite the latter winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
When asked about his verdict, given his insight and experience with both players, Khedira made it clear who he believes is the best.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Khedira said: “It’s Cristiano. It’s not disrespectful to Messi because what he has achieved and is still doing, especially in the U.S, is amazing.
“But I know Cristiano; I played with him for seven years in Madrid and Juventus. I know him personally quite well, so I’m 100 per cent team Ronaldo, but with all due respect to Messi.”
Considering their years of shared success, Khedira’s unwavering support for Ronaldo is unsurprising. The two first teamed up at Real Madrid in 2010, winning La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014.
Their partnership continued at Juventus, where they secured multiple Serie A titles. The German midfielder saw first-hand the work ethic, mentality, and drive that made Ronaldo one of football’s greatest players.
That personal connection is why, for him, there is no debate. With five Ballon d’Or titles, Ronaldo’s place in football history is well secured. Although the footballing fraternity started to sit up and take notice when he was at Sporting Lisbon, he rose to global superstardom with Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid for a then-world record £80 million fee and cemented his legacy by becoming the club’s all-time top scorer, winning two La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. Ronaldo later returned to United in 2021 before moving to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
On the international stage, he led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League, becoming the country’s all-time leading goal-scorer. Meanwhile, Messi spent most of his career at Barcelona, winning 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi played two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami, where he continues to ply his trade. Internationally, he led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and holds the record as their all-time leading goal-scorer.
Messi also boasts eight Ballon d’Or titles and two Copa America triumphs, further solidifying his claim in the GOAT debate.
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