IFFHS announced its list on 18 May, and it has fuelled the long-running debate between fans of Messi and Ronaldo on which player is the GOAT (greatest of all time) in football . Why Lionel Messi Is Considered the GOAT The debate over the greatest football player of all time has intensified over the years, but Lionel Messi consistently emerges as the top candidate. His combination of skill, longevity, goal-scoring ability, and team success sets him apart from peers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé, and Diego Maradona. In the pantheon of footballing legends, the debate over who deserves the title of the Greatest of All Time ( GOAT ) has raged on for decades. Names like Pelé, Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been contenders for this prestigious title, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Who is football ’s GOAT —Messi, Ronaldo, or a legend like Maradona? We compare stats, trophies, and legacy to settle the debate.
