“I would rate Messi slightly higher”: Julio Baptista picks Argentine ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in GOAT debate

Real Madrid legend Julio Baptista has picked Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate. Baptista said that the talismanic duo have been the two best footballers in the last two decades.

Messi and Ronaldo shared a great rivalry while playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga. There is no doubt that Messi and Ronaldo have been the two best players and they have delivered consistently for their respective teams.

Baptista said as quoted by the Forbes, “Both Lionel and Cristiano Ronaldo are incredible players. But I would rate Messi slightly higher. I think because they both played in the same league for Real Madrid and Barcelona, it created an incredible rivalry.”

“There was so much expectation of them and they have both delivered. Ronaldo is unbelievable but Messi is a genius, winning Ballon d’Or eight times says it all.”

“They are the best players of the last 20 years and probably in the history of football.”

Meanwhile, Messi played 778 matches for Barcelona and scored 672 goals and provided 288 assists in his glorious career. Furthermore, the legendary player won 34 trophies with the club.

The talisman spent 17 years at Blaugrana and played an instrumental role in taking the club to new heights as he grew as a player. 

On the other hand, Ronaldo scored 450 goals and provided 131 assists in 438 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney picked Messi ahead of the Portuguese forward.

Rooney said via FourFour two, “I think Messi, he’s the best ever. I get a lot of stick for saying him, where its as if, ‘How can you say Messi, it’s Ronaldo.’”