English striker Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United to Barcelona, recently participated in an interactive interview in the form of a football blitz, a quick-fire question-and-answer game about the sport. During the game, the player had to choose his favorites in various categories, such as best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and striker. However, when the most controversial question came up—”Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?”—Rashford seemed indecisive.
Smiling, the player admitted that he couldn’t choose just one between the two giants of world football. “It’s impossible to decide. They’re both incredible in their own way. Messi is pure art, creativity, and vision, while Cristiano is strength, discipline, and killer instinct. I admire both for what they’ve achieved and the impact they’ve had on football,” Rashford stated. The answer quickly reverberated across social media and the sports press, reigniting the eternal debate over who is the greatest player in history. The Englishman’s speech was interpreted by many fans as a show of respect for both stars, avoiding direct comparisons between such different, yet equally legendary, styles.
Marcus Rashford’s doubt is not isolated. Since the early 2000s, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have shared the spotlight in world football, becoming icons of a golden era. Together, they dominated the international scene for over 15 years, accumulating 12 Ballon d’Or awards, dozens of titles, and seemingly unattainable records. For many, the comparison between the two goes beyond statistics. Messi represents the natural genius, the smooth touch, and the elegance of someone who seems to play instinctively. Raised in the Barcelona youth academy, the Argentine captivated the world with hypnotic dribbling and memorable goals. His career is marked by fidelity to the Catalan style and the constant pursuit of technical perfection.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, symbolizes willpower and resilience. A product of Sporting Clube de Portugal, he shone at Manchester United, established himself as a global star at Real Madrid, won in Turin with Juventus, returned to the Red Devils, and, more recently, continued to break records in Arab football. His work ethic, physical dedication, and hunger for victory are examples of professionalism admired even by his rivals.
Marcus Rashford, who grew up watching both men dominate European football, confessed that they both deeply inspired him. “When I was younger, I watched them both try to learn as much as possible. Messi made me love the art of the game, while Ronaldo taught me to never give up, to work hard every day. They shaped the mentality of my generation,” the striker declared.
Rashford’s admiration is understandable. After all, he experienced the height of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry during his formative years as a player, a time when El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona became the most-watched sporting event on the planet. For millions of fans, choosing between the two stars remains an impossible task. During the same quiz, Rashford revealed other names that have shaped his career. When asked about the best goalkeeper, the Englishman named David De Gea, with whom he shared many years at Manchester United. “He made saves that changed games. He’s always been a quiet leader, someone who inspires confidence.”
In the best defender category, Rashford chose Virgil van Dijk, highlighting his physical presence and ability to read the game. “He’s very difficult to face. He anticipates movements and rarely makes mistakes.” When asked about the best midfielder, Rashford didn’t hesitate: Luka Modrić. “He’s a maestro. Everything seems easier when he’s on the ball. A player I deeply admire.” When discussing his favorite striker, the Englishman singled out names like Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney, two legends who directly influenced his playing style.
“Henry was pure elegance, Rooney was passion and strength. I tried to learn a little from each of them.” But, once again, the most memorable moment was when he had to choose between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—a choice that even divided his own career. As a player who came up through Manchester United, Rashford saw Cristiano as an inspirational figure, both for his history with the club and for his exemplary professionalism. Messi, now a Barcelona star, is his teammate, and spending time with the Argentine has only increased his admiration. “Training and playing alongside Messi is surreal. He sees the game in a way no one else does. Sometimes you think he’s going to pass, and he dribbles past three players. Other times, he makes a pass you never even imagined. It’s a lesson every day,” Rashford said of the Argentine.
