Iwobi Picks Messi Over Ronaldo in GOAT Debate

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has weighed in on football’s most enduring debate, placing Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in his personal assessment of the greatest player of all time.

Speaking on the Beast Mode podcast hosted by former striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, Iwobi admitted the choice was difficult but said his experiences facing both players shaped his view.

He described his encounters with Ronaldo as impressive, particularly noting the Portuguese forward’s aura and clinical efficiency in the latter stages of his career.

‘That’s a tough one. I always say Messi when asked the age-old Messi or Ronaldo question,’ Iwobi said. ‘When I played against Ronaldo, don’t get me wrong, the aura is crazy.’

Iwobi recalled Ronaldo’s direct and decisive style during their Premier League meetings, highlighting his ability to convert chances with ruthless precision.

‘When I played Ronaldo, he was at a different stage of his career; he was just efficient, getting the ball and going to score,’ he explained.

The midfielder faced Ronaldo several times while playing for Everton against Manchester United, including a memorable clash at Goodison Park in October 2022 when Iwobi scored before Ronaldo came off the bench to net his 700th club goal in a 2-1 United victory.

Despite his respect for Ronaldo, Iwobi said Messi left a deeper impression, particularly during his Champions League debut for Arsenal against Barcelona at Camp Nou in March 2016.

He recalled the overwhelming atmosphere and the star-studded lineup featuring Neymar, Luis Suárez, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Dani Alves.

‘But when I played against Messi at the Nou Camp, there was Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Xavi, Dani Alves, there was just names on names on names. This was my first Champions League start, and I’m walking out, bare fans, and all I’m hearing is Messi, Messi, Messi.’

Iwobi described Messi’s unique ability to dominate space and control the rhythm of play.

‘Whereas when I played against Messi, every time he had the ball, there was like a radius around him where no one could enter and tackle him. It was mad; no one could get near him.’

Although Arsenal lost the match, Iwobi said it remained one of the most memorable moments of his career.

‘I will never forget my Champions League debut, the MSN, Messi, Neymar, Suarez, they all scored. It was the perfect loss for me, I’ve never enjoyed a loss like that.’