THOMAS MÜLLER CHANGES STANCE IN MESSI-RONALDO DEBATE, NAMES MESSI GREATEST

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Germany legend Thomas Müller has revealed that his view on the long-running Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi debate has changed, with the former Bayern Munich forward now picking the Argentine as the greatest footballer.

Müller, who previously favoured Ronaldo during the first decade of his professional career, said he now considers Messi the superior player when the overall picture is taken into account.

Speaking on The Late Run, Müller explained that while Ronaldo had been his choice for many years, Messi’s performances, particularly at the FIFA World Cup, had influenced his decision.

“I get asked this question a lot of times. I think the first 10 years of my career, [it] was Cristiano. But when I look at the whole picture, the bigger picture, I have to say the greatest footballer, not the greatest goal scorer, and not the greatest winner,” Müller said.

He added that Messi’s World Cup achievements and performances over nearly two decades ultimately swayed him.

“Considering his World Cup achievements and his current performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and even preceding that, I believe the pleasure derived from observing him perform, which extends across nearly two decades rather than a singular year—this combination of statistical accomplishment and entertainment value leads me to select Lionel Messi.”

Müller also revealed that his previous preference for Ronaldo may have been influenced by Bayern Munich’s struggles against Real Madrid during the Portuguese forward’s time at the Spanish club.

“I always lost against Cristiano Ronaldo. He beat our a** with Real Madrid. Not with Portugal, but Real Madrid. We lost all the time against them.

“And against Messi in Barcelona, I had quite a good time. So maybe that’s also a reason,” he added.

Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar and continued to play a key role for the national team at the 2026 tournament.