Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the obvious two names when it comes to the inevitable GOAT debate. The rivalry between these iconic stars has consistently sparked debates among soccer fans as they strive to determine the superior player between the two. But in a surprising turn of events, the name of CR7 has been eliminated from this discussion by none other than Gary Lineker, as he vocally backs Messi and Argentinian legend Diego Maradona. 

Despite interjecting to even make comparisons, Lineker has now surprised the soccer fraternity with his brief response to the GOAT debate. 

Gary Lineker snubs Cristiano Ronaldo in favor of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona 

Over the years, there have been some of the most interesting answers in the G.O.A.T. debate. Interestingly, former soccer star and renowned pundit Gary Lineker recently dipped his feet in this everlasting argument. However, the discourse has taken an incredible turn as he fervently backed Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona while leaving Cristiano Ronaldo in the dirt. 

While speaking to the BBC, Lineker said, “In my real footballing lifetime, it’s between Messi and Maradona. It’s mad really, there’s so many great players we’ve had… Zidane, Cruyff, the two Ronaldo’s. There’s a list. But then suddenly you’ve got these two that play a game that the rest of us are not familiar with.” 

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Additionally, while claiming Messi was indisputable, Lineker brought his long-term rival CR7 as well. “There are people that possibly compare the likes of Cristiano in terms of goalscoring, but in terms of the joy that they give you when you watch them, there’s nobody that compares with Lionel Messi,” he concluded.

Indeed, these are some bold claims from Lineker, which certainly won’t settle in Ronaldo’s ears. Notably, Lineker had previously dismissed the idea of making any comparisons.

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Gary Lineker has earlier snubbed the CR7 vs. LM10 debate

Lineker’s recent answer surrounding the GOAT debate comes as a major surprise, after knowing that he had earlier denied dishing out his answer. In 2019, while speaking to talkSPORT, he said, “I watch a lot of football, and people pine on this whole Messi vs. Ronaldo debate; there’s no comparison for me.”

However, that didn’t mean he preferred nobody, as he simultaneously revealed Messi as his preferred choice. While insisting Messi is on a different level than others, he said, “People say to me ‘What about Ronaldo’s goalscoring record and so forth?’ But I say to them have you seen Messi pass a football? Have you seen him dribble towards goal?” Certainly, this reveals Lineker’s preferred G.O.A.T.

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