After having played alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos has come to a conclusion regarding the GOAT debate.
The idea of Ramos and Messi being teammates would have seemed highly improbable several years ago, considering their intense rivalry during their successful stints at Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
Ramos has been infamous for dishing out harsh tackles on Messi, resulting in his record of being the footballer with the most number of red cards in Europe’s top five leagues.
Nevertheless, Messi managed to outshine Ramos on several occasions, as he holds the record for the most goals scored in El Clasico – a testament to the Argentine forward’s legendary status.
In a photograph captured by David Ramos/Getty Images, Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid can be seen arguing during the La Liga match at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 02, 2019, in Madrid, Spain.
Ramos, who had been with Real Madrid for a considerable time, left the team to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in July 2021.
Like many others, the Spanish defender was also surprised when Barcelona’s iconic player, Messi, joined him at Parc des Princes just a month later.
Given the history between the two, it was natural for many football fans to anticipate a strained relationship between Messi and Ramos.
However, the two football superstars surprisingly set aside any animosity and developed an unexpected camaraderie on the field.
Ramos names his GOAT after playing with Messi and Ronaldo
Having spent 18 months training and playing alongside Messi, Ramos has now described the South American as the greatest footballer in history.
“There was suffering for several years playing against Messi,” Ramos conceded during an interview with PSG TV, perGoal. “I am now enjoying him.
“He is the best player football has ever produced.”
Yep, it seems Ramos has now made up his mind: Messi is the GOAT.
Before the Paris Saint-Germain and RC Strasbourg match at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on August 14, 2021, Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi were introduced to the crowd inside the stadium. The event was captured in a photo by Sarah Meyssonnier of REUTERS.
Is Lionel Messi really the GOAT?
Ramos’ remarks are likely to sting Ronaldo, especially since the centre-back is articulating the sentiment shared by many football enthusiasts after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner secured victory in the World Cup with Argentina.
At the age of 35, Messi has achieved everything there is to in his remarkable career, and he no longer needs to demonstrate his worth to anyone.
In a photograph captured by Dan Mullan/Getty Images, Lionel Messi of Argentina can be seen lifting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy following the final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar.
When a journalist said to Messi “let’s go for more!” at the end of an interview in Paris this week, Messi’s reaction said it all.
The footballer is aware that irrespective of any future accomplishments, his position as arguably the greatest football player of all time is now firmly established and will remain intact even after he retires.