The soccer world has never been short of contesting debates, as fans passionately argue over who holds the title of the greatest soccer player of all time. Recently, famous British boxer Tyson Fury delivered his verdict by stating Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest soccer player of all time. However, an unexpected voice has recently entered the conversation to fuel up the heated debate. A former Chelsea legend stated his perspective on the Ronaldo-Messi debate, and his answer may surprise many.

The former Chelsea legend has answered the age-old question – who’s tougher to face on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Let’s dive into the showdown that promises to settle the debate once and for all.

Chelsea legend’s verdict on the Ronaldo-Messi debate

In an exciting Monday Night Football session with Sky Sports, former Chelsea and Arsenal great Ashley Cole took center stage, as he revealed his perspective on the two greatest soccer stars of the past two decades. While Cole had to face off against some of the most formidable opponents in football, he revealed his choice when asked about the tougher opponent between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As reported by talkSport, Cole immediately replied, “It has to be Messi.”

“People talk about Ronaldo more because I played against him more. But I think to mark Messi, on his day… he was just too good for me,” the former England international claimed. “But, again, he’s never scored [against me].” Ronaldo often made defenders helpless, week in and week out during his time in the Premier League.

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However, for Ashley Cole, going up against Ronaldo was just another day at the office. It was Messi who posed a more formidable challenge, despite their limited encounters on the pitch. Cole’s revelation may come as a shock, especially to Cristiano Ronaldo himself, who has often cited the English full-back as one of his toughest opponents. **

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Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the best dribblers in the Premier League in his time. Despite his consistent goal-scoring exploits for his team, the Portuguese star has previously admitted that his toughest opponent was Ashley Cole. “Over the years, I had some great battles with Ashley Cole. He does not give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, and tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game,” Ronaldo stated in an interview. These comments from the Portuguese legend highlight the challenges that Ashley Cole brought to the pitch.

Tyson Fury admits his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo

Though the former Chelsea great pips Ronaldo for Lionel Messi as a tougher opponent, famous British professional boxer Tyson Fury thinks otherwise. Ahead of his heavyweight boxing match against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh this weekend, Fury labeled Ronaldo as the ‘greatest’ to grace the soccer pitch. In a candid meeting with the Al-Nassr star, Fury stated, “Cristiano, you are the greatest footballer that’s ever lived, and I mean that. I’m a big fan, I watched you at United the first time and the second time. All of the Real Madrid games.”

While Tyson Fury has endorsed Ronaldo as the greatest, Cole’s insight adds a layer of nuance that only enhances the beauty of the debate. The question surrounding who’s the better player between Ronaldo and Messi will stand firm, as it will be fueled by the passion and admiration of fans and fellow peers.

As the world watches the two greatest soccer stars with sheer excitement and intrigue, it will be interesting to see how well they abode their illustrious careers and legacy. Who do you agree with more, Ashley Cole or Tyson Fury? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!

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