Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Gives Verdict on Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT Debate

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has made his GOAT pick between Ronaldo and Messi. (Photo Courtesy)

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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has made his GOAT pick between Ronaldo and Messi. (Photo Courtesy)

Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Gives Verdict on Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT Debate

Stephen Awino 14:32 - 09.05.2025

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has made his pick for the Greatest Of All Time footballer between Ronaldo and Messi.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has joined the long-running debate over who deserves the title of football’s greatest of all time, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

While legendary players like Argentina’s Diego Maradona and Brazil’s Pele also have strong cases, the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has dominated the GOAT conversation in recent years.

McCarthy, who currently heads the Kenyan national football team, recently made his stance clear.

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Who Is the GOAT? Ronaldo vs Messi

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo greet each other prior Riyadh All-Star XI vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at King Fahd Stadium in 2023 . (Photo Credit: Imago)

According to McCarthy, Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as the ultimate footballer.

While many fans and experts also support Messi's claim, which is arguably just as strong, McCarthy believes certain qualities give the former Real Madrid star man the edge.

“I think everyone has their own opinion. There’s no right or wrong, it’s simply what someone feels,” McCarthy said in a recent interview with CGTN.

“For me, these two are the greatest players we've ever seen in our lifetime.”

What Sets Ronaldo Apart?

Ronaldo vs Messi.
Ronaldo is arguably the greatest footballer of all-time.

But when pressed to choose one, McCarthy pointed to Ronaldo’s relentless drive and dedication as decisive factors.

“As much as Lionel Messi is the most naturally gifted and talented player, I admire someone who works hard at their craft and never gives up,” he explained.

“Knowing you may never reach the natural level of others but still pushing beyond them through sheer determination. That’s what sets Cristiano apart for me.”

Ronaldo’s legacy is built not only on his natural ability but also on a tireless work ethic that has made him football’s all-time top scorer, with over 900 goals.

The Portugal international's accolades include five UEFA Champions League titles, five Ballon d'Or awards, and league titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

“The mindset, the desire, the willpower to achieve what he has, I’ll take that over natural talent any day,” said the former Bafana Bafana striker.

He added, “That’s not to say I don’t appreciate Messi. I absolutely love both players. But if I had to choose one, I’d pick Ronaldo for his mentality, dedication, and the sacrifices he’s made for the game.”

Messi’s own record is equally impressive, with eight Ballon d'Or wins, a World Cup title with Argentina, and multiple league championships with Barcelona and PSG.

However, for McCarthy, it is Ronaldo’s character and relentless pursuit of greatness that ultimately tips the scales. against the Inter Miami forward