"In bread and cheese" - When Gonzalo Higuain picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

The 'GOAT' debate involving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been raging for nearly two decades now and is not likely to end anytime soon. Former Argentina and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is among the few players to have played with both icons, and inevitably, has had to weigh in on the debate.

Higuain was Lionel Messi’s teammate in the Argentina national team and has shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Juventus. Having witnessed both players from close quarters, the former Napoli striker’s opinion on the matter holds special relevance.

Naming his pick between the two legends, Higuain told TYC Sports:

“If I wasn't the first, I was the second who played the most with both of them. They are two big and different players who had a parallel fight that I don't think will happen again in the history of football.

“In bread and cheese, I choose Leo. Off the pitch, Cristiano is a calm and pleasant person. [At Juventus] I found him mature with family and children and we made a good relationship, he talked to me a lot, he leaned on me a lot.”

The former Inter Miami forward also expressed his delight at Lionel Messi winning his first major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America.

“It makes me very happy that Messi has won [the Copa America] because I know everything he has done and what he does for the national team,” he said.

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The Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo 'GOAT' debate by the numbers

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the sport for the last decade and have rightly established themselves as two of the greatest footballers of all time. Let’s take a look at the numbers that have defined their rivalry.

Lionel Messi has scored 729 goals for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, along with registering 354 assists. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 759 goals for Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He also has 238 assists in his club career.

The pair are also the all-time top scorers in international football history, with the Portuguese superstar leading the way with 130 goals. The Argentina captain recently surpassed Iran legend Ali Daei’s record to go second on the list with 109 strikes.

In terms of trophies, Lionel Messi is the most decorated player of all time with 45 titles, including 12 league titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup.

While Cristiano Ronaldo falls a bit short with his 35 titles, he edges his rival in terms of Champions League crowns, lifting the coveted trophy five times in his career.

The Barcelona legend also has the most Balons d’Or awards in history - eight - while the Real Madrid icon is a five-time recipient of the same.