Former Real Madrid and England manager, Fabio Capello, has reignited the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate, ranking Lionel Messi above Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an interview with FlashScore, Capello placed Messi in the same category as Pelé and Diego Maradona, while stating that Ronaldo belongs to the tier just below, alongside Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário.

Messi vs. Ronaldo: Capello’s Verdict

According to Capello, the difference between Messi and Ronaldo lies in their natural talent and footballing intelligence.

“A great player, built with desire and determination. But when I talk about true phenomena, I say Messi, Pelé, Maradona—and I put Ronaldo Nazário right next to them. He’s just a hair below,” Capello said.

This is not the first time Capello has expressed admiration for Messi. Back in 2024, at the Laureus World Sports Awards, he labeled the Argentine as the greatest footballer of all time.

Capello also revealed that he wanted to sign Messi for Juventus in 2005, after watching him play for Barcelona for just 25 minutes in a pre-season game.

Ronaldo’s Response: "I Am the Most Complete Player Ever"

Despite Capello’s ranking, Cristiano Ronaldo remains confident in his legacy. In a recent statement, the Al-Nassr forward declared himself the most complete footballer in history, ahead of Messi, Pelé, and Maradona.

“I am the most complete player to have ever played football,” Ronaldo boldly claimed.

Opinion: The GOAT Debate Lives On

The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate continues to divide football fans and legends alike. While Messi’s effortless dribbling, vision, and playmaking set him apart for many, Ronaldo’s unparalleled work ethic, athleticism, and goal-scoring ability make his case just as strong.

Ultimately, football greatness is subjective, and both Messi and Ronaldo have cemented themselves as once-in-a-generation players.

What’s your take? Do you agree with Capello, or is Ronaldo still the GOAT?