Jurgen Klopp has once again ascertained his stance on the elite Messi–Ronaldo debate and has stated that Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of his own lifetime.
The eternally progressing debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and his elite rival, Lionel Messi has seemingly taken a final twist in the twilight of both their career after Messi finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar.
The Argentinian captain had given one of the best individual performances of the tournament and guided his national team like a leader into winning the global showpiece of 2022 in Qatar.
The lack of international trophies had always been the biggest debate used in the “GOAT” debate against the 35-year-old, due to him not being able to win one in the early stages of his career. However, he won Copa America, followed by the World Cup within just over 12 months, which has shut the mouth of his critics.
This has led the Liverpool leader, Klopp into speaking his heart of delight for Lionel Messi and Argentina and claiming him to be the greatest of all time. He also said that Argentina deserved to win the trophy exactly at the right moment of difficulty for the country, and that they had waited a long time.
“The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level…It was a joy to watch him.”
He had also earlier described back in 2020 that he would choose Messi’s side even though he respected and admired Ronaldo. He explained the subtle difference in both of their colours as players and what made him side with Messi.
“The explanation is the following: we’ve played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend. But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on.
“If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo’s height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do. And what is then even added to that is his total attitude, it is absolutely perfect and professional, it couldn’t be any better.”
Klopp went on to add, “And on the other side, there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple. And therefore, I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch. But Cristiano is also an absolutely incredible player.
Klopp also quickly added that both the legends have left their eternal footprints in the arena of football for a very long time.
