For more than 15 years, the football world has been debating who is the greatest of all time (GOAT): Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo. While opinions remain divided and there are valid arguments on both sides, some of today’s brightest talents didn’t hesitate when asked who first came to mind when discussing the Champions League.

In a video posted on the official social media accounts of Europe’s premier club tournament, numerous top players unanimously voted for Messi. That of Manchester City Josko Gvardiol And Jeremy Dokufrom Arsenal Kai HavertzInter Milan Nicolo Barella, Yann Sommer And Denzel Dumfriesand that of Liverpool Cody Gakpo And Ryan Gravenberchall called the InterMiami put forward as their choice, and leave Christiano Ronaldo in the shade.

Messi’s choice is not without reason. He has won the Champions League trophy four times Barcelona-in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015. He also holds several prestigious records in the competition, including being the top scorer in both the group stage and round of 16. Furthermore, Messi is the player with the most goals for a single club (120 for Barcelona) and scored in the most consecutive seasons (18) in the history of the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo argues for dominance in the Champions League

Ronaldo, of course, has his own impressive CV in the Champions League. In a similar video released days earlier, stars like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van DijkAnd Trent Alexander-Arnold chose CR7 as the most iconic figure of the Champions League.

Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al Nassr and Al Rayyan at Al Awwal Park on September 30, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Compared to Messi, Ronaldo has a clear advantage in certain statistics: he has won more titles (five in total, one with Manchester United and celebrate with Real Madridincluding three in a row) and is the league’s all-time top scorer with 140 goals. He also holds the record for most appearances (183) in the tournament.

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Haaland and other stars suggest Cristiano Ronaldo is the Champions League GOAT

Messi vs. Ronaldo: the head-to-head confrontation in the Champions League

Messi and Ronaldo have faced each other six times in the Champions League, with two wins and two draws each. In those encounters, Messi scored three goals, while Ronaldo scored twice.

However, the most defining moment between the two came in the 2009 Champions League final, when Messi scored one of the goals in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Ronaldo. Manchester Unitedcementing his place in the league’s history books.