The debate over who deserves to be called the GOAT of soccer is one that never seems to end. However, when one of the modern game’s greats weighs in, his opinion can certainly add some weight to one side of the argument.
Germany and Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller recently shared his choice in the GOAT debate. Interestingly, the Vancouver Whitecaps star had previously picked the other side earlier in his career when asked the same question.
Thomas Muller Backtracks on Ronaldo vs. Messi
During an episode of ‘The Late Run Show’, Muller explained who he believes is the GOAT while also reflecting on the choice he made earlier in his career.
“I think for the first ten years of my career, I was with Cristiano,” he said.
The football world has rallied around Lionel Messi after his father's death, with Cristiano Ronaldo among those sending their support to the Argentina star.
“But when I look at the whole picture, Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer, even though he’s now become a huge winner after what he achieved in 2022, what he did in the World Cup, and what he’s doing now too,” explained Muller, pointing to Messi’s achievements and how they have further cemented his status in world soccer.
The 37-year-old, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany after beating Messi’s Argentina in the final, also highlighted the longevity factor when discussing the current Inter Miami forward.
“But even before that, I think of the joy of watching him play football, and it’s not just a show, nor something that lasts for one year and then ends. It’s lasted, I don’t know, nearly two decades, numbers, joy, and that’s why I say, Lionel Messi is the greatest.”
Interestingly, Ronaldo is the one who has the upper hand, at least when it comes to scoring against Muller’s former side. The Portuguese superstar found the net nine times against Bayern Munich during his time at Real Madrid.
Muller, however, has his own memorable moment against Ronaldo, having scored a hat trick for Germany in their 4-0 win over Portugal at the 2014 World Cup.
The German legend also has bragging rights when it comes to facing Messi and Argentina. Muller scored against Argentina at the 2010 World Cup, while he also found the back of the net against Messi’s Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals, when Bayern Munich famously dismantled the Catalan giants 8-2 in 2020.
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