Manchester United star Casemiro has added a fresh name to the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate.
The Brazil international won four UEFA Champions League titles alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid as part of a dominant period for Los Blancos over their European rivals and he enjoyed over a decade of battles against Messi’s Barcelona.
Casemiro and Ronaldo’s paths crossed against briefly again in the first-half of the 2022/23 campaign at Old Trafford before the latter’s mid-season exit to Al Nassr.
The duo have been linked with another reunion in Saudi Arabia again this summer, if United look to offload the 32-year-old, but he is unlikely to face Messi in club action again.
Loyal fans of Messi and Ronaldo have argued relentlessly over who is the greatest of all time [AKA the GOAT] with the latter holding the edge in Ballon d’Or titles with eight to five.
However, the unifying comment is the acknowledgement of the pair combining for the top two of all-time, but Casemiro has added another name into the conversation.
What did Casemiro say on Messi vs. Ronaldo GOAT debate?
As part of a wide-ranging interview with Spanish outlet Diario AS, Casemiro discussed the careers of Messi and Ronaldo, with the duo both still determined to fulfil their goals of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Casemiro dodged the direct question over who is better but he added Brazil international teammate Neymar Junior to the mix.
“Messi has been one of the greatest in history, but we also had Cristiano [at Real Madrid]. What they did is unmatched. These two changed football; they scored 50 goals per season, and it seemed normal,” he said.
“In my generation, the best have been Cristiano, Messi… and just behind them is Neymar, he would be on the podium.”
Casemiro also offered his view Real Madrid’s vital Champions League Round of 16 playoff second leg at home to Manchester City on February 19.
With Carlo Ancelotti’s side leading 3-2 from the first leg in Manchester, Casemiro claimed the ‘power of the Bernabeu’ will see the defending champions through, and safely into the knockout stages.
