Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? When Carlos Tevez made his thoughts clear on the GOAT debate

Former Argentina international Carlos Tevez once outlined the difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Tevez shared the pitch with Messi for Argentina and with Ronaldo during their time together at Manchester United.

The two superstars of modern football have won trophies with club and country during their long and illustrious careers. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently plying his trade with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is with MLS side Inter Miami. While neither made it to the Ballon d'Or shortlist this year, they continue to be the definition of excellence in football.

Speaking to ESPN Argentina in 2018, Tevez insisted that Ronaldo has worked hard to reach the pinnacle of success, while everything comes naturally to Messi.

“Cristiano is totally different to Messi. When Leo was starting out, he didn’t touch a gym. But Cristiano was there in the morning, afternoon and evening, all the time. Cristiano had to work and prepare himself to be the best, while for Leo it comes naturally,” said Tevez.

He continued:

“Those are the greatest differences that I see between the two best players on the planet. Messi plays another sport. For Messi to score three goals [in any given game] is normal.”

Lionel Messi won the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami last season and has already lifted the Supporters' Shield this year. The diminutive magician is now preparing to face Atalanta in the MLS Playoffs.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is yet to win the league with Al-Nassr, although they remain in the mix this year. The Portuguese's contract with the Saudi club expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.

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How many World Cups have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have appeared in a world-record five FIFA World Cups so far. Both players first emerged on the world stage in the 2006 World Cup, when Portugal finished fourth. Argentina were knocked out of that edition of the tournament in the quarterfinals.

Four years later, La Albicelese endured a similar story at South Africa, when they couldn't progress beyond the last eight. Portugal, meanwhile, could only reach the Round of 16.

In 2014, Lionel Messi powered his team to the final, only to come up short against Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, meanwhile, couldn't progress into the knockout stages. Both nations were knocked out at the Round of 16 in the 2018 World Cup.

In 2022, Portugal bowed out of the tournament in the quarterfinals at the hands of Morocco. Meanwhile, Argentina finally lifted their third FIFA World Cup, with Messi fulfilling his legacy and moving ahead in the GOAT debate.

The 37-year-old has 13 goals and eight assists from 26 games in the World Cups. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has scored eight goals and set up two more from 22 games.