Messi or Ronaldo? Luka Modric points out who truly deserves the GOAT title

Luka Modric is the latest figure to share his views on the ongoing debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Although he no longer competes at the highest level of world football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the two most influential figures in the sport, and the prolonged discussion about the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) continues. In this context, Real Madrid legend Luka Modric shared his perspective.

In a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, the AC Milan midfielder was asked whether he preferred Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, and Modric gave a very straightforward answer. “That’s a question I don’t like. They have created an entire era”, Modric said briefly.

However, the Croatian midfielder didn’t stop there and elaborated further on his choice. “I feel closer to Cristiano because I played alongside him; he was my teammate at Real Madrid”, Modric shared.

“I assure you he is not only a great footballer but also a wonderful person. People don’t know this, but he has a huge heart and is always ready to help others. And he is a humble, down-to-earth person”, the 40-year-old midfielder added, referring to what makes the Portuguese superstar special.

Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo played together for six seasons at Real Madrid, appearing in a total of 222 matches, during which the Portuguese star scored 14 goals assisted by the Croatian midfielder. Together, they won 13 trophies, including four Champions League titles, three Club World Cups, one La Liga, and one Copa del Rey.

Modric’s preference for Cristiano Ronaldo makes sense given the strong bond they shared during their time together in Spain. However, the Croatian midfielder also mentioned Messi, an opponent he faced many times while the Argentine star played for Barcelona.

Although admitting he doesn’t know Messi personally, Modric did not hesitate to praise the Argentine superstar. “I don’t know him on a personal level, but I have no doubt that he is also an extraordinary player. From a professional standpoint, he is truly exceptional”, Modrić commented on Messi.

Luka Modric is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, a fact confirmed by his 2018 Ballon d’Or award. The Croatian midfielder won this prestigious prize after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final.

Notably, this individual honor was even more significant as it ended the historic dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Up until 2018, Messi and Ronaldo had dominated the Ballon d’Or for ten consecutive years, each winning five times. However, that reign ended when Modric claimed the top spot.