“For me, he is a complete player” - When ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea star picked between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in ‘GOAT’ debate
Former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien once picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi while opining on the GOAT debate that has been going on for about two decades. The former Ghanaian star officially retired from football in 2020, two years after retiring from international competition.
Michael Essien has shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo for a season when he was on loan to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2012–2013. The duo have played 30 matches together for Los Blancos.
Essien has played against Lionel Messi eight times during his stints with Chelsea and Real Madrid. The 41-year-old was involved in three wins while the remaining five matches ended in a draw.
While making his pick in the 'GOAT' debate in 2018, Essien explained that even though he considered Lionel Messi to be the best, he chose Cristiano Ronaldo for being a more complete player. Essien told Copa 90 USA (via Sports Brief):
"He's the best [Messi] but when you compare him and Ronaldo, for me, Ronaldo is a complete player. Messi is talented but he's only left-footed. Ronaldo can jump, shoot, left, right."
Michael Essien started his senior career with Bastia in 2000 and then signed for Lyon in 2003. He arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2005 where he accomplished the most in his club career, registering 25 goals and 20 assists in 256 appearances.
During his nine-year stint with the Blues, Essien won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Football League Cup, one FA Community Shield, and one UEFA Champions League title.
Lionel Messi matches Cristiano Ronaldo's record in Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia
Lionel Messi pulled off an amazing performance, making five goal contributions in Argentina's 6-0 victory against Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The 37-year-old star forward netted a hat-trick and provided two assists for La Albiceleste on October 15.
This hat-trick against Bolivia was the Argentine captain's 10th, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the most international hat-tricks.
Messi also crossed Iran's Ali Daei's record, climbing second on the list of top international goal scorers of all time with 110 goals. The Portuguese icon currently tops that list with 132 goals in 215 appearances.
The standout display at Estadio Mâs Monumental also took Messi closer to becoming the player with the most assists in international football. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now has 57 assists and is only one behind former United States forward Landon Donovan.
Following Argentina's massive win in the last World Cup Qualifiers match, Lionel Messi made a new record for most goal contributions in football history. He has registered 846 goals and 377 assists, making a total of 1,223 goal contributions, which is the highest in official matches.
