)
Barcelona sporting director Deco is the latest to weigh in on the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo.
In the ongoing debate of soccer royalty, where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are often pitted against each other, Deco, the former Barcelona and Portugal standout, offers a perspective seasoned with firsthand experience.
Having shared the pitch with both legends, Deco's insights carry a weight that few can claim. Now stepping into the role of sporting director at Barcelona, Deco navigates the Messi-Ronaldo comparison with a diplomacy that underscores the unique brilliance of each player rather than crowning one over the other.
)
19:32 - 21.02.2024
I will answer his call first, he is the GOAT — Brazil legend Kaka settles Messi vs Ronaldo debate
Former Ballon d'Or winner Kaka has finally opened up on the never-ending GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
)
19:40 - 23.02.2024
He doesn't care about anything else — Wayne Rooney explains major difference between Ronaldo and Messi
Wayne Rooney has explained the main difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
A Diplomatic Stance on Soccer's Greatest Debate
Deco's refusal to lean towards either Messi or Ronaldo reflects not just a diplomatic approach but a genuine admiration for what both superstars have brought to the game.
In a conversation with FourFourTwo, Deco emphasized the distinctiveness of each player's journey and evolution on the field.
)
"Come on! They’re two different players. Cristiano was a pure winger in those early days – he used to get the ball and only think about dribbling past his opponents. He grew a lot as a player, becoming the competitive beast we’ve seen for so long. He has always been keen to develop in every way possible. Messi has always been a natural talent.”
)
“He has adapted his game over time, but his way of moving has always been the same, so it’s hard to choose between one and the other," Deco stated, highlighting the transformation and innate skills that define both Ronaldo and Messi's careers.
Celebrating Icons Beyond Comparison
The reality that Messi and Ronaldo will likely never play together in a competitive setting does nothing to diminish their legacies. With Messi dazzling fans in the United States for Inter Miami and Ronaldo continuing to defy age in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, both icons remain at the pinnacle of the sport in their own right.
Deco's vision of an ideal world where both stars align on the same team captures the imagination of fans worldwide. "The ideal world would be to have both in my team – with them, you just pass them the ball and the rest is done!” Deco mused, encapsulating the dream scenario for any team or fan.
Related content
)
21:48 - 26.02.2024
Pique's ex, Shakira receives ₦73m a week from Barcelona's sponsors
Gerard Pique's former partner Shakira is thriving financially post breakup, with significant windfall coming her way via streaming.
)
01:57 - 25.02.2024
Xavi, Joao Felix believe Barcelona are still in LaLiga title race
The Barcelona duo believe that the Blaugrana could still cause an upset and win the 2023/24 LaLiga title
)
18:14 - 24.02.2024
Barcelona vs Getafe: Refreshing performance helps Blaugrana steamroll Azulones
Raphinha and Joao Felix retuned to the starting lineup to inspire Barcelona to a 3-0 victory over Getafe.
)
17:35 - 24.02.2024
No more doubt — Barcelona legend Pique explains how Messi transformed MLS
Gerard Piqué credits Argentine for expansion of MLS, and said his former teammate has cleared all doubts about his standing as the best footballer in history.
)
11:06 - 24.02.2024
FOOTBALL How Dani Alves could tackle his way out of jail by June
Dani Alves could potentially be released from prison as early as June after serving a year.
)
23:02 - 23.02.2024
Barcelona vs Getafe match preview, team news, where to watch and prediction
A concise pre-match guide for the upcoming LALIGA fixture between Barcelona and Getafe.
)
22:14 - 23.02.2024
Netherlands legend slams 'Mailman' Frenkie de Jong
Former Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart likens Frenkie De Jong to a postman in UCL post-match criticism.
)
20:56 - 23.02.2024
Barcelona star compares Osimhen with Lewandowski
Barcelona's Gündoğan compares Lewandowski and Osimhen after Champions League showdown.
)
09:44 - 23.02.2024
Manchester United's Net Spend Climbs Above £1bn as They Top Chelsea, Barcelona in Spending Standings
Clubs in England dominate the top 10 in the list of clubs with the highest net spend in Europe in the last decade
)
09:18 - 23.02.2024
Why Dani Alves Could Be Released from Prison in July This Year
The Ex-Barcelona star was sentenced to four and a half years in jail but could be out in only five months
)
00:53 - 23.02.2024
Ex-Arsenal and Barcelona Star Aubameyang Smashes Europa League Record
Aubameyang surpassed icons like Radamel Falcao and Romelu Lukaku to become the competition's top scorer
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)