The GOAT Debate: An open letter to the fans of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Dear Ronaldo and Messi fans,

I think this is the best time for me to write to you regarding your constant debates over who the better player is between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Honestly, are you guys not tired of debating over this topic?

For the better part of the last decade, both players have been on top of their game, and it is only right that we celebrate them. I know that this is football – and that means winning the bragging rights will always be on the cards – but the fact is that both Ronaldo and Messi are special.

If you look at the level of consistency both players have demonstrated, coupled with the records they have broken, and continue to break, there is no doubt that they are far ahead of their contemporaries.

Once upon a time, the world saw Pele, then came Ferenc Puskas, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo and Ronaldo Nazario. There must also be special mentions for the likes of Ronaldinho, Ricardo Kaka and Luis Figo.

However, none of the aforementioned players could last like Ronaldo and Messi. Not only have these two players won it all in football, they have left their marks on the game, and they will never be forgotten. Never in the history of sport have two players taken rivalry this far.

They have broken countless records, and continue to push each other to greater heights. Take last week for instance, Ronaldo netted a hat-trick to lead Juventus to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, overturning a 2-0 first leg loss at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The day after, Messi responded in equal measure, scoring two goals and assisting a further two in Barcelona’s 5-1 home win over Lyon at the Camp Nou. For you, the fans, this is nothing new.

You have seen these two players do more than this in the past. So, all I want to say is this: Value and cherish their achievements as long as you can.

There is no need to compare them, because these players have proven to be specialists in nullifying your arguments. One week Ronaldo is better; the next week Messi takes centre stage. It has always been like this for the better part of the last decade.

So, Ronaldo and Messi fans, it is better to enjoy them rather than waste time arguing over who the better player is.

The best thing to do is to savour the moment, because it will take centuries for the world to see another rivalry like that of Ronaldo and Messi.

Yours sincerely,

A passionate Ronaldo and Messi fan.