When Joshua Kimmich gave the perfect response to Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

This is the enduring debate in the football world: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Half a decade ago, Joshua Kimmich, the stalwart of Bayern Munich's defense and midfield, was in the eye of the storm when he expressed his stance on the duo.

Notably, Real Madrid were facing Bayern Munich, and Kimmich found himself lined up against Ronaldo. The stakes were high, as it was the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie, and the star striker was at the height of his prowess, boasting a tally of 15 goals in just 10 European fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly an unstoppable force at that time, a player in peak form, scoring consistently and racking up his illustrious tally. Kimmich recognized that it was no mean feat to contain Ronaldo, a player who, in his opinion, held an edge over Lionel Messi when it came to all-around skills.

While speaking to Bild, the versatile Bayern Munich star highlighted the extraordinary Champions League goal-scoring record of the Portuguese maestro (via SportsMole):

"When it comes to goal quotas, Ronaldo is in the lead."

Drawing a contrast between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Kimmich offered his nuanced perspective on the debate:

"Messi is a completely different type of player. Ronaldo is perhaps more complete in terms of skills themselves. Messi is more a dribbler, Ronaldo the final player. I cannot say this one or that one [is better]. I am glad that I am allowed to witness both."

Kimmich's insightful comments elucidated the unique skillsets that both Messi and Ronaldo bring to the pitch, thus making the case that the two players are in a league of their own.

The debate, as it has been for many years, remained open-ended, with Kimmich taking the diplomatic middle ground and appreciating the phenomenal abilities of both players.

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Lionel Messi could join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia after bumper contract offer

FC Barcelona v Juventus: Group G - UEFA Champions League

Rumours are swirling around Lionel Messi, with the latest reports suggesting that Saudi club Al Hilal are allegedly making a massive push to secure his talents. The club are looking to beat Al-Nassr's move for Cristiano Ronaldo in the transfer market with a staggering salary offer exceeding $500 million per year, according to Al Rabiya.

The speculation has gathered steam given Messi's current contract status with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which is nearing its conclusion. Adding fuel to the fire, Messi recently paid a visit to Saudi Arabia, wearing the hat of the country's tourism ambassador.

The internationally acclaimed footballer, along with his family, was seen at various tourist destinations, with the images shared by the Saudi Tourism Minister garnering global attention.

In the meantime, Saudi Arabian football has found itself in the global limelight, not least due to the national team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup. Adding to the flurry of headlines was Cristiano Ronaldo's shock move to Al Nassr, another Saudi football powerhouse.