Lionel Messi's superb display for Argentina in their 2-0 World Cup victory against Mexico has sparked debate in Africa with supporters praising him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having lost their Group C opener 2-1 against Saudi Arabia, Argentina needed victory to keep their hopes alive in reaching the knockout stage and it was the 35-year-old Messi, who stepped up with a goal and assisted Enzo Fernandez.
Many fans in Africa believe Messi is better than Ronaldo. The latter has been accused of diving to win a penalty against Ghana in their Group H opener. After going down, Ronaldo stepped up to put the Selecao ahead and they went on to win 3-2.
Below is how fans compared Messi and Ronaldo after Saturday night's Argentina victory.
Some people's GOAT only scores from a dubious penalty awarded through his diving but the Real GOAT scores beauties from outside the box and gives spectacular assists. - Sketches Kwabena Barcelona
Don't mind Ronaldo fans. They know nothing about football. He scored the goal outside the box, not a criminal penalty. - Siki GH
We now see who is the real GOAT, he doesn't need to dive and get a fake penalty to score. - Nii Adotey Buckman
He is the real GOAT fake ones always dived and got a penalty, that's the difference. - Francis G. Koomson
Don't mind them... Their G.O.A.T dived shamefully against Us(Ghana) The real G.O.A.T does what is right 😍 😍 😍 - Amoh Destiny
As usual, Ronaldo dived during the Ghana-Portugal match. Instead of getting a yellow card, he was rewarded with a penalty. Messi is the proper GOAT. 😀 - @eapasera
Yes, he [Messi] scores proper goals. Not that finished product that will be given fake penalties and MOTM award. - Abotsi Baabah Blessing
Ronaldo fans have no shame😏, Ghana is ranked last in this World Cup and he dived for penalty to score a goal, how on earth are you people still defending him? 😹😹 - @Efya_Serwaa7
This is how the GOAT responds to unnecessary criticism. Lionel Messi is simply in a class of his own. With or without the World Cup. The World may never get to witness extraordinary talent like him again. The "GREATEST" of All Time 🤞🇦🇷🔥❤️- Champions Frescoboy
Not by penalty + Assist. They don't force record for him, but he creates his own record. The Original GOAT. - Barrack Oghenevbogaga God'stime
Messi is a very humble player by all standards. I love his composure and commitment in the game. When Messi is angry, he shows it under no pressure. The GOAT. - Cephas Atteh
You can't say you like football when you don't like Messi. Football is Messi and Messi is football. 👌 - Ayamga Ebenezer
Ronaldo is the one who delivers under pressure. Messi brought the pressure to himself, nobody forced him to lose against Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. Anyways well done Leo💫 I’m happy to witness both of them playing at this level. - Appiah Willie Williams
Those people don't know Messi. They started watching him when he went to PSG. They go and watch his Barca days.They will see lots of Messi Magic 🔥 - Kojo Agyei
Messi have everything football people supposed to have... People don't understand that... a goal scorer is different than a play maker. Steven Yovo Agbosse
Where was he [Messi] when they played against Saudi Arabia, don't make issues out of this win. It obvious they will win and qualify.😆 - Kwesi Adjei
Messi deservedly won the MOTM award tonight, not like Ronaldo who dived to get a penalty and played nothing in the game and still won the MOTM. - @BarcaPrincipal
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