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When asked about his choice between Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine star Lionel Messi, former Porto midfielder Deco picked Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. The 46-year-old, who retired in 2013 after 17 years, shared the pitch with Ronaldo for seven years after they both made their senior debut in the same year for Portugal.
Deco also played alongside Messi during the former's four-year tenure at Barcelona from 2004 to 2008. While naming his choice, the Corinthians graduate said in 2018 (via AS):
"From the outset, it is clear that Leo and Cristiano are the greatest. Especially because no one thought they could take so many years to this level, but the one that impressed me most despite not being so decisive was Ronnie. For me, he will always be the best."
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Deco recorded five goals and 20 assists in 75 appearances for Portugal. He also netted 20 goals and provided 45 assists in 161 matches for Barcelona while winning two La Liga, two Supercopa de España and a UEFA Champions League title with the Catalan club.
André Gomes on choosing between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Former Portugal midfielder André Gomes shared his opinion when asked to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The central midfielder refused to name only one out of respect for the two greats.
Gomes shared the pitch with the Portuguese icon and the Argentine star at the same time. He played with Cristiano Ronaldo for four years for Portugal from 2014 to 2018 while also sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi during his tenure at Barcelona from 2016 to 2019.
While explaining his opinion, André Gomes said (via Marca):
"I do not like to compare them out of respect. I will never answer it. I’m Portuguese and I have affection for Cristiano, as much as I do for Messi, who is my teammate at Barcelona."
Gomes won the 2016 UEFA European Championship alongside Ronaldo for Portugal. He further won the 2017–18 La Liga, the 2016–17 and 2017–18 Copa del Rey and the 2016 Supercopa de España during his time at Camp Nou.
