Gary Lineker insists Lionel Messi is on 'another level' to Cristiano Ronaldo & Co as ex-Match of the Day presenter weighs in on the GOAT debate

For well over 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated an entire footballing era. From their golden years at Barcelona and Real Madrid to their continued global influence today, the two superstars have redefined the meaning of excellence in the sport. While both players boast individual accolades, record-breaking statistics, and club success, Messi’s triumph with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup appears to have swayed the conversation in his favour.

While Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess and longevity remain unmatched in certain respects, Messi’s blend of skill, vision, and artistry on the pitch has convinced Lineker that the Argentine has no equal. However, his stance has come at a personal cost. The former Leicester City and England forward admitted that the Portuguese has cut ties with him, choosing not to engage due to Lineker’s public preference for Messi.

Expanding beyond the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, Lineker went on to share his personal football 'Mount Rushmore', a symbolic list of the four greatest players in history. For Lineker, that elite group includes Pele, Diego Maradona, Messi, and, with a nod to hus injury-shortened brilliance, Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil.

"He's [Messi] my favourite player of all time, quite simply because he's the best player of all time, in my view. Even the difference between some of the real greats, you know, the Cruyffs, Zidane, Ronaldo, the fact that you can then have another level above them, quite clearly above them, is truly remarkable," he said.

"Without his injuries, I think we'd have had Brazilian Ronaldo in that conversation," he said. "But unfortunately, he did, but he still did incredible things, and he was joyous. But he was out of the game for three and a half years and managed to come back and win a Golden Boot at the World Cup. I mean, really? So, if I had one more, if I had four, you know, the 'Mount Rushmore' thing, yeah, that would be my four. So, Pele, Maradona, Messi, Fenomeno [Ronaldo]."

Despite Lineker’s emphatic stance, the Messi-Ronaldo debate is unlikely to fade from public discourse anytime soon. The two players have divided opinion like few others, each building a fiercely loyal fanbase over the years. However, for Lineker, the argument is now settled. With World Cup glory, years of consistent brilliance, and a style of play that blends genius with grace, Messi stands tall in the ex-Match of the Day presenter's eyes.