Real Madrid’s teen sensation Franco Mastantuono has weighed into the GOAT debate and risked the wrath of the Bernabeu faithful by claiming former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi deserves that title, not Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo have traded titles and accolades at the world’s biggest clubs and at international tournaments for years, but Mastantuono believes his Argentina colleague has the edge as the finest player in history.

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has promised that the first thing he will do if he defeats current incumbent Joan Laporta is to call Lionel Messi. The Argentine recently returned to the under-construction Camp Nou, fuelling speculation about a possible move back to the club. Font added that he would like Messi back at Barcelona in any capacity.

Lionel Messi and Argentina have been told that they were “lucky” to savour World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. All-time great Messi completed his medal collection at that event, as he inspired the Albiceleste to a global title. Wesley Sneijder has suggested that the South Americans were fortunate to claim that crown, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal considered to have a better chance of landing the same prize in 2026.

Former Netherlands and Real Madrid star Wesley Sneijder has claimed it's "possible" that Lamine Yamal will surpass Lionel Messi, while predicting that the Barcelona wonderkid will stay at the club until at least 2035. At just 18, Yamal has already established himself as one of the top players in the world, finishing second to Ousmane Dembele in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus has explained why he will always side with Lionel Messi in the Argentine icon’s GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo. Two legends of the modern era consider themselves to be the greatest of all-time, but opinion across the rest of the world remains divided. Matthaus knows what it takes to be considered the best player on the planet.