“Ronaldo needs a teammate to change the game, Messi can do it by himself” - When ex-Manchester United star offered opinion on GOAT debate

Former Manchester United star Diego Forlan explained in 2017 what gave Lionel Messi the edge over Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate. The Uruguayan briefly shared the pitch with the Portuguese during their time together at Old Trafford.

Forlan moved to LaLiga in 2004 to join Villarreal and was witness to the Argentinean's emergence a few years later at Barcelona. The two superstars of modern football soon ignited a fierce rivalry that has divided the world ever since.

In his column for The National in 2017, the Uruguayan insisted that La Pulga's ability to create sets him apart from his rival.

“Messi can do it alone. Maybe Ronaldo needs a teammate to help change the game, but Messi can do it by himself,” wrote Forlan.

He continued:

“Ronaldo has evolved as a player. When he was younger, he was more like Messi. He liked to dribble and show off his skills. Now he’s more direct, a lethal machine who scores far more goals.”

The Portuguese currently plies his trade with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. He has been in fine form this season, registering ten goals and three assists from 15 games. His team are currently third in the league table after ten games.

The Argentinean, meanwhile, won the Supporters' Shield this season with Inter Miami. However, he failed to guide the Herons past round one of the MLS playoffs, where they were knocked out by Atlanta United.

How many European Golden Shoes have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi won in their career?

Diego Forlan

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may no longer be playing in Europe but their impact on world football remains unmatched. The two have dominated the Ballon d'Or like never before, winning 13 awards between them.

The Superstar duo also have an enviable record with the European Golden Shoe. The Portuguese has won the award four times in his career, with his first win coming in the 2007/08 campaign as a Manchester United player.

The 39-year-old then won the European Golden Shoe in 2010/11, 2013/14 (shared) and 2014/15 as a Real Madrid player. Ronaldo scored 48 league goals in the 2014/15 season, earning 96 points, which was his personal best.

The Argentinean, meanwhile, has a record six European Golden Shoes to his name. He holds the record for most goals (50) and most points (100) in a season, which he achieved in the 2011/12 season. The diminutive magician won his first European Golden Shoe in 2009/10 and then in 2011/12, 2012/13, 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.