Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been at loggerheads with one another for over two decades owing to their professional rivalry. German legend and Vancouver Whitecaps star Thomas Müller has recently tried to settle the debate about who is the better player.
So, what did the 36-year-old attacking midfielder say about the long-standing rivalry?
Thomas Müller Picks Lionel Messi Over Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite tasting defeat at the hands of Messi’s Inter Miami in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final last Saturday, Müller has picked the Argentine over Ronaldo in a recent Q/A segment.
“The good old question. Both of them, both are performing. They are still producing numbers. But, for me, more impressive is Messi because his style of playing the game is a little bit more magical, more pure talent,” Müller replied when asked to pick a player between the Inter Miami ace and Al-Nassr star (via X/@ESPN FC).
The 13-time Bundesliga champion continued by lauding Ronaldo, saying, “The work ethic from Ronaldo is outstanding and maybe even better than Messi’s but to watch Messi playing our game is just… yeah it’s, it’s not unbelievable because I know what he is able to do week in and week out. So, for me, it’s not unbelievable but it’s very impressive.”
Both the Barcelona legend and the Real Madrid legend could face one another for a final time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Messi is keen to help Argentina defend their world title, the latter is hoping to lift the much-coveted trophy for the first time with Portugal.
Ronaldo Told To Fix One Portugal Issue
Former Portugal and Manchester United winger Nani has urged Ronaldo to repair Portugal’s dressing room to increase his chances of winning his maiden FIFA World Cup trophy.
“I think we have to be very confident and positive for the World Cup. I think everyone knows we have a fantastic group of players, very talented players. The only thing they have to fix is the group, the environment,” Nani said in an interview with The Sun.
MORE: Tim Howard Insists Lionel Messi’s Club Will Struggle Next Year
The former Orlando City star added, “They need to be all connected and believe in the same goal. If they do that, for sure they will do very good in the competition because we have a fantastic team. It also depends on how the other teams will prepare, but we have a big chance next year.”
Portugal will face Colombia, Uzbekistan, and one of New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo in Group K in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19.
