The 39-year-old Ghana's all-time top scorer with 51 goals is widely regarded as one of the country's greatest footballers. Asamoah Gyan has commented on the never-ending and ever-divisive GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Although there is no definitive answer to the question of who is the GOAT, Gyan offered an insightful perspective on the topic. Ghanaian football great Asamoah Gyan has added his voice to one of football’s most enduring conversations — the never-ending comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Despite both icons having left the elite stages of European football, the discussion surrounding their legacies continues to dominate debates among fans, analysts, and even fellow professionals.
The contrast in styles between Messi and Ronaldo has never been greater, but their rivalry continues to be an obsession, as Goal points out, despite Ronaldo currently displaying his enduring physicality at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Arabian Pro League. Messi, on the other hand, brings his finesse to the MLS with Inter Miami. During a recent appearance on TV3’s New Day show, Gyan was prompted to weigh in on the global debate as part of his media engagements in his role as an ambassador for CAF's African School Football Championship.
Initially reluctant to dive into such a polarising subject, the former Black Stars captain eventually offered a nuanced perspective that balanced objectivity with personal admiration.
“Media rivalry,” Gyan began, suggesting that the long-standing comparison may be more of a product of public discourse than on-field reality. “They don't play the same position, but for me, you can compare Messi with Maradona and Abedi Pele and those players. But for me, [Lionel] Messi is a gifted one. He can stay for two months and play.” Gyan’s analysis touched on the technical core of the debate — the stylistic and positional differences that often get overlooked.
From his point of view, Messi’s genius is intrinsic, a natural-born playmaker capable of orchestrating games with minimal effort or rhythm disruption. He then turned his attention to Ronaldo, highlighting the Portuguese star's physical attributes, which have contributed to his longevity and success in a variety of leagues. “On the flip side, Ronaldo depends on his fitness to play. And that is where I respect Ronaldo for that. He got to where he is with hard work and dedication.
“Ronaldo is a complete player. He's got everything. But I will still prefer Messi,” he concluded. As someone who spent nearly two decades in professional football and competed at the highest level with Ghana’s national team, Gyan’s viewpoint carries weight.
He has witnessed both players rise to global prominence and understands the nuance between raw ability and relentless ambition.
And as Gyan rightly implied, the debate is no longer just about football. According to Telegrafi, it is a cultural saga that spans generations and is likely to continue long after both men hang up their boots.
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