20 November 2023 , 08:53
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Steven Gerrard recently changed his tune on the long-running Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate, branding Ronaldo "The GOAT" having previously said he thought Messi was the better player.
The Liverpool legend is currently managing Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League and recently spoke about the influence Ronaldo has had since joining Saudi side Al-Nassr following his departure from Manchester United.
"The arrival of 'The GOAT' as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January obviously was a huge signing," Gerrard said. "He still had a lot of football to offer. So, from afar, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo's results, at the league, watching some games and watching some highlights.
"I think from that moment, the league around the world had become a very popular talking point for everyone. After Cristiano's arrival, even more big-name signings, talents and skill sets were joining the league."
However, just last year Gerrard picked Messi over Ronaldo when asked who he thought was the best of all time by Gary Neville on his Overlap YouTube channel. "I think they're both operating on a different planet to every footballer that's ever lived, probably besides your Peles and your Maradonas," Gerrard said at the time.
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"But Messi, for me, is more of a team player. If he's in on goal, he'll look for a pass as well as obviously posting really, really good numbers individually as well." Gerrard is not the only football legend to have changed their mind on the debate, with Frank Lampard also making a similar switch.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have both changed their tune on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate (AFP/Getty Images)When asked to choose between the pair back in 2020, Lampard went with the Argentine icon. He said: "I'm gonna go Messi on this on pure, natural talent. But what Ronaldo has done has been absolutely incredible."
However, just one year later Lampard switched his answer to Ronaldo, having had his mind changed after watching Neville and Jamie Carragher debate the issue on an episode of Sky Sports' Monday Night Football. Speaking to Neville on the Overlap, Lampard explained: "You know what, I've always been a Messi man… and then I watched your debate with Jamie Carragher recently.
"I actually think for Ronaldo's output and actual numbers, and goals in big finals and semi-finals like we've seen, I think I maybe give him the edge. That's going to start a load of hate, now!"