Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Christian Pulisic picks between the 2 superstars

AC Milan ace Christian Pulisic made his pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in a recent interview. The age-old debate between the two legends of the beautiful sport has divided fans and pundits over the last two decades.

Pulisic took his pick while playing a game of choice between various legends of football in an interview with GOAL in association with Puma. The USMNT star was asked to take names in various categories. These included best finisher, best passer, a retired legend he would like to play with, and the best player in the world.

Pulisic named Lionel Messi as the best player in the world while choosing Cristiano Ronaldo as the best finisher in football. In the next round, he was asked to choose one player among two of his choices. He picked Messi over Pele, and Ronaldo over Kevin De Bruyne. In the next round, Pulisic chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo.

Interviewer: CR7 or Messi?

Pulisic: Messi.

Messi and Ronaldo dominated football at the top level for over two decades, winning 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them. The Argentine, who won eight of them, recently returned to the pitch for Inter Miami. He spent almost two months out of action due to an ankle injury he picked up during the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo recently hit the 900 career goals mark and has been in sensational form for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

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"We fed off each other's rivalry" - When Lionel Messi addressed his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo and Messi - Source: Getty

Shortly after winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023, Lionel Messi addressed his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with L'Equipe.

"It was a great battle, from a sporting point of view. We fed off each other's rivalry because we're both great competitors. He, too, always wanted to win everything, all the time. It was a very enjoyable time for both of us and for everyone who loves football," Messi said. (via GOAL)

The Argentine considered it a great memory for fans who followed them over the years. He credited himself and his archrival for staying at the top for 15 years. He continued:

"I think we deserve a lot of credit for having managed to stay at the top for so long. Because as they say, it's easy to get there. What's difficult is staying there. And we stayed at the top for ten, fifteen years. It's very difficult to stay at that level and it's spectacular. And I think it remains a good memory for all those who followed us."

Ronaldo shared similar respect for Messi in various interviews in the past, crediting him for maintaining the top form for years while sharing the stage with him.