“He’s the GOAT”, Lionel Messi’s comment that won’t please Cristiano Ronaldo

Asked about the greatest player in football history, Lionel Messi named Diego Maradona without hesitation. The Inter Miami forward also praised other global sports legends, from Michael Jordan to Rafael Nadal, including Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi didn’t hesitate when asked to name the GOAT – the greatest footballer of all time. For him, that title goes to Diego Maradona, a true legend of world football.

In an interview with NBC Sports (reported by All About Argentina), the captain of the Albiceleste also drew a parallel between Maradona and other sporting icons, such as Michael Jordan in basketball, and the three tennis giants Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

« For us, Maradona was the greatest idol and a source of admiration for everything he represented », Messi explained. « Even though I was small and didn’t see him play live very much, Diego transcended everything. In another sport it was the same with Jordan. And I also have a great admiration for players like Federer, Rafa and Djokovic. » A remark that will probably not please Cristiano Ronaldo, who has always considered himself the best player of all time.