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Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Inter Miami Al-Nassr showdownGOAL
Chris Burton

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Ex-Barcelona & Portugal star Deco delivers diplomatic ‘ideal world’ answer in GOAT debate

L. Messi
C. Ronaldo
Major League Soccer
Saudi Pro League
Inter Miami CF
Al Nassr FC
Barcelona
Portugal
LaLiga

Former Barcelona and Portugal star Deco has delivered a diplomatic answer when asked to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

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Over 28 monthsSave 80%
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Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Deco played alongside both legends
  • Reluctant to pick between them
  • Would like to see icons in the same team

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The ex-Blaugrana star forms part of an exclusive club when it comes to two of the greatest players to have ever played the game. Deco has worked alongside both, at domestic and international level, so is well placed to pass judgement on who can be considered the best.

  • Lionel Messi Cristiano RonaldoGetty/GOAL

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Deco, who is now sporting director at Barca, is reluctant to be dragged into that long-running debate as there are obvious cases to be argued for either side. He would prefer to see people enjoy the Argentine and Portuguese legends for what they are – iconic showmen that have thrilled audiences across the globe.

  • WHAT DECO SAID ABOUT MESSI & RONALDO

    Deco told FourFourTwo when asked for his input in the Messi versus Ronaldo argument: “Come on! They’re two different players. Cristiano was a pure winger in those early days – he used to get the ball and only think about dribbling past his opponents. He grew a lot as a player, becoming the competitive beast we’ve seen for so long. He has always been keen to develop in every way possible. Messi has always been a natural talent. He has adapted his game over time, but his way of moving has always been the same, so it’s hard to choose between one and the other. The ideal world would be to have both in my team – with them, you just pass them the ball and the rest is done!”

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  • Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2024Getty/GOAL

    WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & RONALDO?

    It appears unlikely that Messi and Ronaldo will ever grace the same side – certainly in competitive action – as they are approaching the end of remarkable playing careers. Messi is now in the United States with MLS side Inter Miami, while Ronaldo is showing no sign of slowing down in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr at 39 years of age.