The Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate remains alive today. The latest person to answer this question, in perfect form, was NBA and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Messi, 38, helped Inter Miami become one of the best teams in Major League Soccer, recently being crowned champion of the 2025 MLS Cup. The Argentine, although he does not possess great physical power, can play 90 minutes and continues to make a difference through his technical quality and intelligence.
On the other hand, Ronaldo, 41, remains a goal-scoring machine at Al-Nassr and although he has not been able to win a title in Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese is a decisive factor in every game he plays.
Antetokounmpo sees it clearly. Messi is pure talent, but he identifies more with Ronaldo’s sporting philosophy.
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What Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Say About Messi and Ronaldo?
“Messi is pure talent, pure talent. And with hard work and discipline throughout his career, and consistency, he’s stayed at the top. He’s probably the best player of all time,” Antetokounmpo said.
“But for me, I relate more to people who are similar to me, right? Hard work, discipline, taking care of your body, and being consistent for many years. He’s 41 years old now, still playing at a high level. So my mindset is closer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s mindset.”
“We’re different people. He’s more flashy than me and all that. I’m not like that. But when it comes to the game, the love for it, the consistency, the hard work, pushing the envelope and always trying to get better, I’m more similar to Ronaldo,” he continued.
“So when you ask me that question, I say Ronaldo. But if you compare what they’ve accomplished in their careers. Eight Ballon d’Ors, five Ballon d’Ors, a World Cup, not a World Cup, five Champions Leagues, four Champions Leagues… It really comes down to what you prefer.”
Antetokounmpo concluded by saying, “And the most important thing is this: once you get to the point where people are debating ‘Messi or Ronaldo?’, you’ve already won. I hope I can get to a point where people say ‘Jordan or Giannis?’ [laughs] Then I’ve already won in life.”