Mikel Arteta didn’t hesitate when asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the long-standing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time. The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has sparked intense debate among fans and players alike for over a decade.
Ronaldo recently became the first player to score 900 official goals, cementing his status as one of the best goal scorers in history. On the other hand, Messi leads in Ballon d’Or wins, having claimed a record-breaking eight compared to Ronaldo’s five. As both players near the twilight of their careers—Ronaldo continuing to score in Saudi Arabia and Messi dazzling in the MLS for Inter Miami—the debate continues
However, for Arsenal manager Arteta, the choice is clear. In an interview with Sky Sports, he stated, “It’s always been Messi, I can’t deny. For me and my three sons, it’s exactly the same.” Arteta emphasized how fortunate people have been to witness what he considers the greatest player of all time. “The difference is huge,” he added, when comparing Messi to other legends like Ronaldo and Pelé.
While Arteta never had the chance to face Messi during his playing career, he did compete against Ronaldo in memorable matches between Everton and Manchester United. Now, as a manager, Arteta is focused on breaking Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League, with his side coming agonizingly close to a key victory, only to be denied by a last-minute equalizer from John Stones in a recent match..