Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Thomas Muller makes his stance clear in GOAT debate

The debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in soccer usually boils down to two names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While other legends are often mentioned, the Argentine and Portuguese superstars dominate the conversation. Now, Messi’s new rival in Major League Soccer, Thomas Muller, has shared his own view in the debate.

In an interview with MLS’ official channel, the Vancouver Whitecaps forward made it clear that, for him, Messi is the greatest player the sport has ever seen. Muller did acknowledge Ronaldo’s greatness, but ultimately sided with the Argentine.

The German reflected on his many battles against Messi while playing for Bayern Munich, a rivalry that produced both triumphs and setbacks. He admitted he doesn’t know how Bayern managed to contain Messi in certain matches, while also recalling painful defeats against Barcelona.

“In the end I don’t know how it worked so well. We had big defeats against Barcelona, in 2015 when they won the Champions League that was one of them, but in the end I don’t know how we did it. But to be honest, for me, Messi is the greatest player we’ve ever had in this sport,” said the 2014 World Cup winner.

Thomas Muller from Bayern Munich tries to take the ball away from Lionel Messi of Barcelona. (IMAGO / DeFodi)

Muller on why he picks Messi over Ronaldo

Although Muller now favors Messi, he admitted that wasn’t always the case. Early in his career, he leaned toward Ronaldo. But over the years, his perspective shifted from pure performance to playing style, and Messi’s elegance ultimately won him over.

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“We’ve always had this discussion about Cristiano or Messi, both are incredible, but I think Messi has always been a little more elegant in his style of play. I think in my first ten years as a professionalI leaned more toward Cristiano if there was ever a debate, but now being a little older and more ‘romantic,’ I go more for style than just performance. And then Messi won the World Cup with Argentina, so now I lean toward him,” Muller admitted.

Muller: A formidable challenge for Messi

Muller’s history against Messi’s Barcelona is nothing short of outstanding. The German forward tallied eight goals and contributed two assists in 10 clashes with the Spanish powerhouse, with seven victories for Muller and only three for Messi. In addition, the German met Messi two more times during the Argentine’s stint at PSG, earning back-to-back victories in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Champions League.

On the international stage, Muller has twice shattered Messi’s World Cup ambitions. The first blow came in the 2010 quarterfinals, when Germany dismantled Argentina 4-0. Four years later, on Brazilian soil, Muller played an influential role in the 2014 World Cup final as Germany edged Argentina 1-0, snatching the trophy and denying Messi what could have been his maiden world title.