He can play as a defender — Former Liverpool star takes sides in Messi vs Ronaldo GOAT debate

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has provided a fresh perspective on the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The 42-year-old was teammates with Messi at Barcelona and Argentina and is now his coach in Miami. While it came as no surprise that he picked the former Paris Saint-Germain star as the GOAT, his reason was intriguing. 

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In a press conference for the Herons, the former Liverpool star was quizzed on the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo. He wasted no time naming his former teammate, citing the Argentine’s completeness. 

“I think Messi is the greatest player in history. Never will be like him. It's impossible,” Mascherano said, per ESPN. 

“20 years in the top, scoring, playing. And he's the total player, you know; he can play as a striker, as a midfielder. 

“Also, if you put him to defend, he is the best defender. I can assure you. I saw that. So at the end for me, I don't have any doubt.”

Mascherano’s reasoning offers a fresh perspective to the GOAT debate, as Ronaldo is the one typically associated with completeness, given his physical gifts. 

In one of his more recent interviews, the Portugal international leaned into the narrative, as he dubbed himself the most complete footballer in the history of the sport.