During an interview with TNT Sports Mexico, Lampard was asked to choose between the two global superstars, and while he leaned toward Messi, he expressed his discomfort with the conversation.

“I don’t like this conversation,” Lampard said. “I played against both, more with Cristiano when he was at Manchester United and with Messi I played against a lot in some big games between Chelsea and Barcelona. Messi for me individually for talent is the greatest ever probably, in my opinion.”

He went on to highlight Ronaldo’s unmatched work ethic and dedication: “But with Cristiano, what he did in terms of what he made himself and the numbers, output, goals, and dedication—even now to this day—means that they’re just there together.”

Ultimately, Lampard avoided definitively ranking the two legends. “I have to respect them both in the same way. I don’t think it’s fair to try and put one above the other. I think they’ve been the most amazing players, and I’m honored that I could play against them, to be on the pitch with players at that level,” he concluded.

Christian Pulisic picks his GOAT

American star Christian Pulisic also shared his thoughts on the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. In a rapid-fire video segment posted by GOAL on X (formerly Twitter), Pulisic was asked the ultimate question: Messi or Ronaldo? The AC Milan winger didn’t hesitate to pick Messi.

However, Pulisic didn’t overlook Ronaldo’s greatness. When asked to name the best finisher in soccer, he gave the nod to CR7, recognizing the Portuguese striker’s elite goal-scoring ability.

This isn’t the first time Pulisic has spoken highly of Messi. In a 2023 interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the U.S. international expressed his desire to one day play alongside the Argentine legend.

In total, Lampard has a 41% winning percentage and a combined record of 81-71-44 across his four managerial positions. Lampard’s last time out as coach of Chelsea produced a dismal 1-8-2 record as he served as caretaker while Chelsea looked to rebound from a terrible 2022/23 season.

For USMNT fans, Lampard is known as the manager who gave Christian Pulisic his first substantial minutes in the Premier League but in his second stint, seldom used the now AC Milan winger.

Frank Lampard to MLS?

According to Top Bin 90, Lampard is on the shortlist of coaches to take over the MLS side Charlotte FC. In 2023 the Crown finished with a 10-11-13 record and in ninth place in the east, eventually the club lost the MLS Playoff wildcard round to the New York Red Bulls 5-2.

The team has never really gotten going since entering MLS play in 2022 but has a squad which includes Enzo Copetti, Brecht Dejaegere, and Karol Świderski to build off of.

Frank Lampard and former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith are all on the club’s shortlist according to the same report.

Lampard in MLS

Lampard would not be entirely unfamiliar with Major League Soccer, he was NYCFC’s first major DP signing when the club kicked off in 2015 and despite an output of 15 goals in 29 matches, Lampard is considered one of the biggest flop signings in league history.

To make matters worse they take on Real Madrid on Tuesday down 0-2 in their Champions League tie. After their defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 over the weekend, new owner Todd Boehly called the performance, “embarrassing” and made sure the squad was aware of the owner’s feelings.

Speaking to the media on Monday, new Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was aware of the comments made by the owner and answered questions regarding what happened in the dressing room.

Frank Lampard on Todd Boehly

“I am comfortable with that”, Lampard stated, “For me, there was maybe some criticism of our old owner [Abramovich] of not coming to the games and not being around. That wasn’t always true, to be fair.

“But I think when an owner is very invested in their interest in the team and wants to help and improve, it is their prerogative to have the input that they want. I remember the moments as a player of owners first coming into dressing rooms — it actually happened here at Chelsea, it never really happened to me before.

“I remember being really happy that you could touch them, you could high-five them, you could listen to them and feel them. So, I don’t think it is a bad thing in terms of the identity of the club and where you want to get to.

“I have no problem with it from my point of view. I had my things I wanted to say after the game. If the owner wants to come in be positive, speak to the players be positive. Like Kepa has said there, it can be very regular in the modern day. No problem. In fact, it shows passion and that’s the first thing I like.”

Lampard took over Everton in January of 2022, his record has been very disappointing, winning only 12 matches out of 44. Recently the former NYCFC DP stated, “I absolutely don’t fear being sacked. I’m proud to do the job. I just get up every day and think how we can get better.”

According to The Sun, the three candidates that are reportedly being lined up are, Sean Dyche, Nuno Espirito Santo and Everton legend Wayne Rooney. Find out what each are up to and what are their chances of coaching Everton.

Everton coaching candidates

Sean Dyche last coached Burnley from 2012-2022, Dyche coached over 400 games for the club and held a 35.1 winning percentage. Before that the former Millwall defender coached Watford for one season. Dyche seems to be a coach that would be set up for an eventual fall from the Premier League and look to build towards a better future.

Nuno Espirito Santo is coaching Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and last coached Tottenham where he was sacked. The Portuguese coach would require a buyout and would be more a “save me now” hire. Espirito Santo’s managerial marks have been meager at best.

Wayne Rooney has long been linked to the Everton job and after a stint at Derby the former Everton legend is at DC United in MLS, where again results have been wanting. How committed Rooney is to DC United, a club that has hit rock bottom, remains to be seen, the former England striker’s managerial record is not indicative of a coach that can save a team from relegation.

The Merseyside club has shockingly decided to fill the managerial vacancy by appointingRafael Benitez, former head coach of lifelong rivals Liverpool. A controversial hire from the very beginning, the Spanish boss would eventually be fired shortly after as theteam started to flirt with relegation.

Frank Lampard took charge laterbut it’s been a tough start for him as well. Before the Newcastle game on Wednesday night, Everton had lost on five out of six games (W1) under the Chelsea icon and were tied with Watford, who are 18th with 22 points. That’s why the late win over the Magpies sparked wild reactions at Goodison Parkwhich resultedin a broken hand for Lampard.

Lampard ‘breaks’ hand celebrating Everton’s last-minute winner vs Newcastle

After four defeats in a row,the Newcastle match was a must-win for the Toffees. It looked like they would have to settle with a sour, goalless draw at home. 14 minutesminutes were added at stoppage time after a fantied his neck to a post and a lengthy VAR review that resulted in Allan’s red card, creating even more drama as the final whistle drew near.

However, things would take a huge twist at the 99th minute whenAlex Iwobi gave the hosts the edge, producing an electric reactionon the stands and the Everton dugout, where Lampard may have gone too far in his celebration.

“I’ve broken my hand in the celebrations,” Lampard told Prime Video, as quoted by The Sun. “My bones must be going soft, I don’t remember the moment. I didn’t realise at the time but as the game carried on I was a bit sore and shaky. But I don’t care – I’ll take it for three points.“

Lampard had an up and down run at Chelsea winning 44 games and losing 23, in total Lampard, a club legend, won 52% of his games but did not win any major silverware and failed to get the most out of a stacked squad. Before that the former MLS designated player had coached Derby County for 1 season and while his Derby side was entertaining and upset Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds team during promotion playoffs, Derby in the end did not achieve promotion falling short to Aston Villa.

Enter Everton, who sit 16th in the Premier League and have had a dismal season, and for the most part have been disappointing the last three years, the club needs a shot in the arm and Frank Lampard, a coach ready to take total control of a team, may be able to provide just that.

What does Frank Lampard provide Everton?

Lampard favors a possession style of play and favors a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formation. While at the moment Lampard will try to inject his new style with the current group, he will certainly request player signings to his specifications. That is something Lampard did not have much control over at Chelsea where many of his preferred signings were vetoed by the board, Lampard will have more control over this at Everton.

Everton, who in their defeat with Aston Villa played a 4-4-2, will most likely begin to play with 1 striker and two wingers or three solid attacking midfielders to play to a striker.

At a two-and-a-half-year deal, Everton will be looking to simply survive this season and Lampard to make the most of what emergency signings the team makes in the winter, then in the summer it will be evaluation time and Lampard will need to hit on almost all his signings to get Everton back to the top half of the standings, something he has experience with after coaching Derby.

Steve Bruce sees the writing on the wall, and history has indicated when takeovers of this kind have happened before the first out the door are the underwhelming managers these owners inherit. Bruce with very little case, has Newcastle in 19th place and on the road towards relegation with rumors from AS stating he could be fired as early as next week.

Newcastle will be changing a lot of things over the next few years, the first is how they invest and purchase talent as a substantial upgrade is expected, they will also try to have the right manager calling the shots once the cash starts being spent, here are the reported managers Newcastle is said to be looking at.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is currently with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland and recently won the Scottish Premier League, with very little left to do at Rangers a move back to the bright lights of England could be in the cards for the former LA Galaxy and England midfielder. Gerrard was once rumored to be in consideration for the Newcastle job a few seasons back.

Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte is on the shortlist of almost every team with a coaching vacancy and money. Conte would bring credibility to the Newcastle project and would be able to sway players to take a chance and call Newcastle home. If one thing these projects have proven before, despite the big money takeovers, it takes time for big names to make that leap of faith. A good manager is an important start to go A-list.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard had a disastrous run as Chelsea manager, and Newcastle is the right job for a second chance. Lampard showed a lot of courage and had a good run at Chelsea but the weight of managing a big club with big ambitions eventually caved in on him. Will Newcastle take that gamble?

Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers is one of the most solid coaches in the UK, and if Newcastle want to tackle getting the best in the Premier League before trying to get the best in global soccer, Brendan Rodgers could be that nexus. Rodgers is a big club manager and Newcastle would provide new ground and a chance to build the squad he wants with near limitless resources.