Former Spanish goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez has added his voice to the never-ending debate over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two football legends who have dominated the sport for nearly two decades. Speaking on the Los Fulanos podcast, Jimenez revealed his personal struggle against Messi, whom he described as an "absolute nightmare" to face on the pitch.

Jimenez, who faced Messi seven times in his career, conceded a staggering 13 goals to the Argentine wizard. The former Barcelona star’s uncanny ability to find the back of the net left Jimenez in awe—and regret.

“I could never stop Messi. Whenever he got close, he scored. Cristiano plays differently and gives you more chances to stop him, so it is more fun,” Jimenez admitted.

Unlike Messi, Jimenez found facing Ronaldo more manageable, praising the Portuguese star’s style of play for offering opportunities to goalkeepers to make saves. However, he also highlighted the psychological toll Messi inflicted, saying, “Messi has been an absolute nightmare for me. I never wanted his shirt because he always humiliated me.”

Regret and the Legacy of Greatness

Despite Messi’s brilliance, Jimenez now laments his decision not to request the Argentine’s shirt, a prized memento among footballers. “I have the shirts of all the great players I have faced and those of my friends, but I never wanted Lionel Messi’s. Now, I regret it.”

In a humorous twist, Jimenez also mentioned a campaign by a beer brand that sent beers to goalkeepers for every goal Messi scored against them. “Of course, I have the beers at home. I have 13. I think I’m one of the goalkeepers who has the most.”

This anecdote not only underscores Messi’s dominance but also highlights the respect and admiration that even his most humiliated opponents hold for him.

Messi vs. Ronaldo: A Never-Ending Debate

The Messi-Ronaldo rivalry remains one of football’s most enduring storylines. Both players have now left Europe, with Messi dazzling fans at MLS side Inter Miami and Ronaldo continuing to excel at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Their respective journeys have drawn comparisons for years, but Jimenez’s reflections offer a unique perspective.

While Ronaldo’s athleticism and versatility make him a formidable opponent, Messi’s artistry and unpredictability render him a terror for defenders and goalkeepers alike. Jimenez’s account highlights how even the most seasoned professionals often found themselves in awe of Messi’s genius.

Opinion: The Unstoppable Force

Jimenez’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the extraordinary careers of Messi and Ronaldo. Both players redefined the game, and debates over their greatness will persist long after they retire.

For Jimenez, Messi represents the ultimate challenge—a player whose talent transcended tactics and preparation. His regret over not securing Messi’s shirt reflects the bittersweet reality of facing a player who consistently delivered magic on the pitch.

As fans, we are fortunate to have witnessed two icons who pushed the boundaries of football, each in their unique way. For goalkeepers like Jimenez, however, the experience was less about admiration and more about survival.