The endless debate over who the true footballing GOAT is — Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo — just got an intriguing new angle.
Former football star Arjen Robben has thrown his hat into the ring, asking a question that might make fans look at the rivalry a little differently: "Does he use tricks?"
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football for over a decade, racking up an astonishing 13 Ballon d'Or titles between them — Messi claiming eight and Ronaldo five.
Both legends have shattered records, lifted countless trophies, and left fans in awe with their brilliance. But when it comes to deciding who’s the best, everyone seems to have a different take.
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What Arjen Robben thinks on Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate?
In a recent interview on the TOUZANI YouTube channel, Robben—who has played for top clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich — shared his thoughts. The former Netherlands winger posed an unusual question: "Does he use tricks?"
Robben explained, "When I talk about it with the guys—the best ever—I always ask, 'does he use tricks?' And then the answer is no. Messi, of course, he doesn't have tricks up his sleeve. He just does everything quickly. He has control, speed, and agility."
According to Robben, Messi’s magic lies in his simplicity, moving at lightning speed and making the game look effortless.
While Messi is praised for his agility and quick thinking, Ronaldo is known for his power, precision, and flair—often dazzling fans with skill moves and jaw-dropping goals. Both players have their own style, making it tough for fans to pick a favorite.
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The GOAT race continues
At 37 and 39, respectively, Messi and Ronaldo are still going strong. Messi has found a new challenge in MLS with Inter Miami, while Ronaldo is breaking records in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. Even as they approach the twilight of their careers, these two titans show no signs of slowing down, continuing to fuel the debate over who will finish as the GOAT.
Whether it’s Messi’s effortless dribbling or Ronaldo’s flashy footwork, both players have cemented their legacy in football. But with Robben’s cheeky question, the debate has only gotten trickier — literally.
