Xabi Alonso sets the record straight on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

The debate over who reigns supreme in soccer—Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo—has been ongoing since the two burst onto the global stage. Adding his perspective, Xabi Alonso, the Spanish legend set to take over as Real Madrid’s head coach, shared his thoughts.

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated an era of soccer and are widely regarded as two of the greatest players of all time. For Alonso, however, the answer is clear. He has consistently chosen Ronaldo as the best, saying in a 2014 interview with the Daily Mail, “Cristiano is the best footballer I have ever played with”.

That year, Ronaldo captured the Ballon d’Or, and Alonso, who was then playing for Bayern Munich, called the award “deserved,” even as Germany celebrated its World Cup win. “If Neuer or another German player had won the Ballon d’Or, it would have been fair—they won the World Cup. But I also say that if Cristiano Ronaldo takes it, it’s fair too. He had an incredible season and won the Champions League”.

Alonso doubled down on his opinion after his retirement in 2017. Speaking to Bodegas Beronia, he reaffirmed, “The best of all time? The usual suspects: Cristiano or Messi. But because he was my teammate, [I pick] Cristiano”.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring from the penalty spot with Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Champions League glory with Ronaldo

Alonso and Ronaldo were two marquee signings by Real Madrid ahead of the 2009 season. The club’s goal was to finally secure the elusive 10th Champions League trophy.

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The dream became reality in the 2013-14 season, with both Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo playing pivotal roles in the triumph. Together, they also won two Copa del Rey titles, one La Liga championship, and a Spanish Super Cup. Alonso left Madrid after that season to join Bayern Munich, where he eventually retired in 2017 to begin his coaching career.

Alonso’s Messi comparison for Florian Wirtz

Currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has been guiding several rising stars, including German prodigy Florian Wirtz. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso drew parallels between Wirtz and Messi, praising Wirtz’s understanding of the game.

“Messi is so good because he knows how and when to make the right passes,” Alonso explained. “It’s not about making the most spectacular move but the smartest and most effective one. Florian can do that too. That’s why he’s so good”.