G.O.A.T: Messi or Ronaldo?

Giwa Veronica

On Saturday 19th November 2022, a day before the start of the much anticipated Qatar 2022 world cup, a viral picture of the Greatest of all Time (GOAT); Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing chess on a Louis Vuitton trunk, went viral when the brand announced a paid partnership with the duo.

It was later revealed that the duo did not take the picture together, instead, the picture was taken at different locations and then photoshopped to make it appear that way. Nevertheless, it was exciting to see both players together in the ad, and pretty much guess, the ad had its anticipated aim. Annie Leibovitz, a famous photographer, did a good job.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have had a total of 12 Ballon d’Or between them, were seen playing an iconic game of chess, leaving us to another game of wonder as to who won the game.

This picture brought the rivalry between the two greatest footballers of all time to the forefront as to who the GOAT is.

Even though both have had different achievements in terms of titles: Ballon D’or, golden boot, Copa Del Rey, Super cup, Champions League, and others; none has won a world cup title. So, fans look forward to seeing them perform in their 5th world cup appearance which might be their last.

There is no doubt both have made, and are making their contribution to European and world football and when push comes to shove, every fan has a favourite.

An online poll created by AFAS Press for sport-loving AFASITES revealed that about 45% regard Messi as the GOAT while 55% think it is Ronaldo. Prolonging the endless argument of who the G.O.A.T is?

Performance analysis of Messi and Ronaldo in the world Cup so far

As insinuated earlier, Qatar 2022 may be Messi and Ronaldo’s last world cup appearance. This is because the former will be 39 while the latter will be 41, four years from now.

Therefore, the urgency is understandable as the duo, who have never won a world cup title, are trying everything possible to make the best use of the opportunity now.

So far, the duo have 3 goals on record, as the competition progresses onto the next stage.