In the ongoing debate over the 'greatest of all time' (GOAT) in soccer, the names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo often dominate the conversation. Both players have achieved extraordinary feats throughout their careers, but one notable voice in this debate comes from Brazilian football legend Kaka, who shared his thoughts on the two stars in 2020.
Kaka's Preference: Messi’s Genius
Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion with Brazil, has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the sport’s greatest players, including Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked about the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry during a 2020 FIFA Q&A, Kaka didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for the Argentine.
I played with Cristiano and he’s really amazing, but I’ll go with Messi. He’s a genius, a pure talent. The way he plays is incredible, Kaka said,
Highlighting Messi’s natural ability and unique style of play. For Kaka, Messi's skill set transcends conventional football techniques, making him a 'genius' on the pitch.
Ronaldo’s mentality: a machine on and off the field
While Kaka expressed a clear preference for Messi, he was quick to praise Ronaldo’s relentless drive and mentality. Reflecting on his time as Ronaldo’s teammate at Real Madrid, Kaka shared,
Cristiano is a machine. It’s not just the way he’s strong, powerful, and fast; he’s strong mentally. He always wants to win and play. To be the best. For me, that’s the most incredible thing he has.
Both Kaka and Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009, with the former leaving for AC Milan in 2013 after several years of shared success. Kaka's description of Ronaldo sheds light on the Portuguese forward's mentality, his unwavering dedication to being the best, which many consider one of his standout qualities.
Kaka's perspective: Messi and Ronaldo among the top five, but not the GOATs
Despite his admiration for both players, Kaka refrained from declaring either Messi or Ronaldo as the definitive GOAT in soccer history. In 2020, Kaka acknowledged their greatness but placed them within the broader context of sport’s all-time legends.
In the history of sport, they (Messi and Cristiano) are definitely in the top five. We are very lucky to have been able to see both of them, he remarked.
The Brazilian midfielder was the last player to win the Ballon d'Or before the Messi-Ronaldo era, earning the prestigious award in 2007. He is widely remembered for his remarkable performances with AC Milan and the Brazil national team, playing a pivotal role in Milan’s 2007 UEFA Champions League title victory.