Cristiano Ronaldo's ex-teammate picks Lionel Messi as 'GOAT'

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa has picked Lionel Messi as his GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Juventus player admitted that the duo are the best players in history, but picked the Argentine icon as "Greatest of All Time."

Federico Chiesa picks Lionel Messi as 'GOAT'

While interacting with Sky Sports, Chiesa said it was an amazing experience to play with Ronaldo at Juventus and that he regarded him as one of the best players ever. However, he believes that Messi is the best and the best ever. He said:

"I've played with Ronaldo, and playing with him was an amazing thing. They [Lionel Messi & Cristiano] are truly the best players in history. And to be completely honest, I have to say that Leo Messi is the greatest football player in history."

Chiesa spoke about Ronaldo in 2021, calling him an alien. He said that it was very exciting to work with the Portuguese legend at Juventus and said:

"I was lucky enough to spend a year with one of the greatest champions in football history: Cristiano Ronaldo. Seeing him live, his dedication, his mental strength, being decisive and present in every situation was a constant inspiration for me. Cristiano is on a separate planet. It was exciting to work with him and see what he does to be so strong."

Chiesa played 34 games with Ronaldo a Juvenus, combining for six goals. They played just one season together before Ronaldo left for Manchester United in 2021.

Rivalry with Lionel Messi is over says Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo addressed his rivalry with Lionel Messi in 2023, saying that it changed the sport forever. He said that the rivalry was done after they moved away from European football and said:

"It was good, spectators liked it. Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. We've done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing."

"He's followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I've seen, he's been doing well and so have I. The legacy lives on, but I don't see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I'm not saying we're friends, I've never had dinner with him, but we're professional colleagues and we respect each other."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi last faced each other in the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League group stage. Juventus defeated Barcelona 3-0 at Camp Nou, with the Portuguese star scoring a brace.