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Javier Mascherano wasted no time in picking Lionel Messi as the “greatest player in history”.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) lends a helping hand to Lionel Messi. (AP Photo)
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has addressed the “GOAT debate” featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mascherano, who has represented Argentina in 147 international outings, shared the dressing room with Messi for nearly 15 years. The duo also played together for Barcelona between 2010 and 2018. They reunited at Inter Miami in November 2024 when the MLS club appointed Mascherano as their head coach. In a recent press conference, the 40-year-old was asked to name the better player between Messi and Ronaldo.
Mascherano wasted no time in picking Messi as the “greatest player in history”. “You don’t need to ask. I think Messi is the greatest player in history. There will never be a player like him. It’s impossible. 20 years at the top scoring, playing,” he said, as per ESPN.
According to Mascherano, Messi is a “total player” who can shine in any position. Despite playing as a creative playmaker in the majority of his career, Messi has shattered the records of many legendary goal-scorers. The Argentine captain has found the net over 850 times since his professional debut in 2003.
Given his versatility, Mascherano reckoned Messi might also be successful even if he played as a defender. “He’s the total player. He can play as a striker, as a midfielder. Also if you put him in defence, he’ll be the best defender, I can assure you. And I’ve seen that. So in the end, for me, I don’t have any doubt,” the footballer-turned-manager explained.
Messi wrapped up his illustrious European career in 2023 to shift his base to Miami. He has already won two titles with the American club. Messi helped Inter Miami become the League Cup champions in his debut season at the MLS.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his record as the most decorated footballer of all time by winning the MLS Supporters Shield last season. It marked Messi’s 46th title in professional football.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been playing for Al-Nassr since January 2023. The Portuguese forward has already struck 86 goals for the Saudi Pro League side. He also led them to triumph at the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr is slated to expire this summer.
