The GOAT debate has captivated soccer fans and pundits alike for years. The debate has been continuously raging on with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo being the two names that dominate this conversation. However, when it comes to choosing between Messi and Ronaldo, the opinions of athletes and experts vary. One individual whose opinion has raised eyebrows is Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool captain and renowned midfielder.

Gerrard has long been known for his admiration towards Messi, considering him the greatest player he has ever seen. But recently, Gerrard’s claim that Ronaldo is the GOAT has left many confused. So, why do we still believe that Messi holds the title of the greatest for Gerrard, despite his recent statement?

What Steven Gerrard had to say about Cristiano Ronaldo

Before answering the question, it is important to delve into Gerrard’s comment about Ronaldo being the GOAT. For this let’s go back a few months to July when Steven Gerrard took on the role of manager at Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo, who had moved to Al Nassr previously. While enjoying his managerial role in Saudi, the former midfielder recently sat down in an interview with the Saudi Pro League.

During the interview, he discussed Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr and deemed it a significant moment in Saudi’s soccer revolution. In this specific interview, Gerrard referred to Ronaldo as the GOAT. “The arrival of ‘The GOAT’ as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January obviously a huge signing,” Gerrard stated.

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He further added, “He still had a lot of football to offer. So, from afar, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo’s results, at the league, watching some games and watching some highlights”. Gerrad also claimed how Ronaldo’s arrival brought in more big names into the league and how this development left him “fascinated”.

All this admiration and unequivocal statement indicate that Steven Gerrard believes CR7 is the real GOAT. However, we believe that’s not the case. And that is due to his previous assertions and because of the context surrounding his recent declaration.

Gerrard has picked Lionel Messi over Ronaldo on many occasions

To understand why Messi has a special place in Gerrard’s heart, we need to look at his previous statements about the Argentine superstar. Over the years, Gerrard has consistently hailed Messi as the greatest player he has ever seen. In an interview on Gary Neville‘s Overlap YouTube channel, Gerrard was asked who he thought was the greatest of all time.

Without hesitating, he responded, “It’s Lionel Messi for me”. This unequivocal endorsement speaks volumes about the impact Messi has had on Gerrard. In the same interview, he clarified, “I’m someone who would never have a derogatory word to say about Ronaldo because he is phenomenal”. Also, Gerrard’s admiration for Messi extends beyond one interview.

In an appearance on the Robbie Savage podcast, Gerrard emphasized Messi’s abilities as more of a team player. Firstly he commended both LM10 and CR7 stating, “They’re very different for me. I think they’re both operating on a different planet to every footballer that’s ever lived, probably besides your Peles and your Maradonas”.

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Then he went on to make it clear why he thinks Messi is superior. He stated, “But Messi, for me, is more of a team player. If he’s in on goal, he’ll look for a pass as well as obviously posting really, really good numbers individually as well”. This quality sets him apart from Ronaldo, in Gerrard’s eyes, and why we still believe the Argentine is still the GOAT for the Al Ettifaq manager.

Conditions were also different under Gerrard’s changed opinion

Another reason we believe this is the fact that the conditions under which the 43-year-old gave his statement about the Portuguese icon. Going back to the earlier point, Steven Gerrard is now manager of a Saudi Arabian team that plays in a league that has seen its biggest rise in popularity ever thanks to Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr.

Gerrard’s comment about Ronaldo being the GOAT can be seen as a diplomatic move, doing justice to the importance of the Portuguese superstar’s move to Saudi Arabia. As the manager of a team in the same league, Gerrard may have wanted to show respect towards Ronaldo and acknowledge the impact he has had on the league. There could also be some bias to it as the interview was conducted by the Saudi Pro League.

In conclusion, the debate over the GOAT status in soccer will continue to divide fans and experts. However, when it comes to Steven Gerrard, his long-standing admiration for Lionel Messi cannot be overlooked.

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Do you agree with our take on this matter? Let us know in the comments.