Former Tottenham Defender Gives Verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi Debate | OneFootball

The Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi debate will continue well past the playing careers of the two players. Messi and Ronaldo are in their mid to late 30s, but even as their playing years dwindle, people will still pick which player is better.

In an interview on his WTTAA podcast (h/t Mirror), former Tottenham Hotspur and current Royal Antwerp defender Toby Alderweireld gave his verdict on who’s better, having faced both.

Although Alderweireld has a lot of respect for Ronaldo, the 33-year-old stated that his decision regarding who is the best player is Messi. The veteran defender added that the Paris Saint-Germain star moves faster than those trying to stop him.

“Everything he does, he does it just that little faster than you,” Alderweireld said. “He does this, then he does that, it goes so fast. I really had a feeling I couldn’t do anything against him. You try to get in duels with him.

“He looks like a slender guy, so you try to get physical. But he’s not slender at all; if you look at his thighs, you think… wow. He is so fast. The quality, the ball control, It’s not normal. I played against Ronaldo many times. Of course, his numbers don’t lie, but Messi was the best because he is simply elusive. You can’t get hold of him.”

Many have a similar opinion that aligns with what Alderweireld regarding Messi being the best player to lace up a pair of boots. Nonetheless, there will also be some pushback and claims over how Ronaldo is better.

It’s a long debate that will continue until the end of time.