The Cristiano Ronaldo–Lionel Messi debate seems to be eternal. Premier League legend and former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has given his take on the fierce debate. While fans would have hoped for a reserved and diplomatic answer, Crouch candidly declared that Messi is the better player, a statement that could potentially be a source of controversy.

The former Englishman had a first-hand experience of the devastating qualities of Ronaldo in the fearsome Liverpool-Manchester United matches. Despite failing to win a league title against Ronaldo, Crouch has chosen the Argentine wizard as the better of the two. Now, is it a rational decision or one fueled by dislike for Manchester United?

Crouch settles the Cristiano Ronaldo-Messi debate in controversial fashion

The Premier League icon gave his opinion on the ‘GOAT’ debate on his podcast. Appearing alongside him were boxer Anthony Joshua and former Tottenham coach Jermain Defoe. Crouch stated, “I feel if you say Ronaldo, you don’t know football very well,” a statement that left his guests amused and surprised. Yet, Crouch did not back down on his claim and said, “Ronaldo is incredible, incredible. But I look a little bit down on you if you say Ronaldo“. An emphatic response from the towering striker but with perhaps an element of ignorance regarding Ronaldo’s achievements.

It is not the first time Peter Crouch has voiced his opinion on Ronaldo and Messi. The former Liverpool man had said that Messi is the most naturally gifted soccer player while singling out Ronaldo’s determination and mentality. Surprisingly, Crouch claimed that Ronaldo was not the best player in Portugal.

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Crouch revealed, “I played against Ronaldo when he was 18, it was him and Quaresma on either wing when England U21s played Portugal’s. At that time, Quaresma was better than Ronaldo, bizarrely.” It looks like Peter Crouch is no stranger to making controversial takes on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ronaldo-Messi argument is more subjective rather than factual. While Crouch opted for Messi, one of the popular pundits on television chose Ronaldo.

Read More: Why Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Never Voted For Each Other in the Ballon d’Or?

Gary Neville picks Ronaldo over Messi

In 2021, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the ‘Red Devils’, Gary Neville proclaimed him the ‘GOAT’. Neville said, “I do think he’s the greatest football player that has ever lived“. He cited Ronaldo’s ability to score with his weak foot and head as the decisive factor. Neville further added that Ronaldo scored more international goals and won Champions League titles with worse teams than Messi. Regardless of the choice, Neville has given valid points as to why he prefers one player over another, unlike Peter Crouch.

Do you agree with Peter Crouch regarding the GOAT, or are you team Ronaldo? Let us know in the comments below.

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