Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate: Nigerian showboat king Jay-Jay Okocha explains his pick

The iconic playmaker - who starred for Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton in his playing days, while earning 73 caps for his country – was famed for his ability to get fans off their seats. In more recent times, Ronaldo and Messi have been doing likewise.

They have rewritten the record books between them – earning 12 Ballons d’Or – and are assured of standings towards the top of any all-time great list. Okocha is an admirer of both, but admits that they bring different qualities to the table.

Okocha has told Capital FM when asked for his take on one of the longest-running debates in sport: “I think both of them rightly deserve to be GOATs but I prefer Messi. As for me…I mean…Cristiano Ronaldo is typical of what you can achieve with hard work, but for Messi everything comes naturally…and he works hard as well.”

Messi has rediscovered his spark after leaving PSG for MLS outfit Inter Miami, with 11 goals recorded through 10 appearances while also winning the 44th trophy of his remarkable career. Ronaldo is also going strong at 38 years of age, with the Portuguese netting 12 times through 11 outings for Al-Nassr this season – with those efforts taking him to 850 in total.