Sami Khedira firmly believes Cristiano Ronaldo is forward of Lionel Messi within the ‘best of all time’ debate.
talkSPORT hosts Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent had been joined by Actual Madrid icon Khedira on Drive to debate the Membership World Cup.
3
Khedira kicked off his profession at VfB Stuttgart, the place he received a Bundesliga title in 2007, earlier than transferring to Madrid in 2010.
Over his 5 seasons in Spain, he not solely showcased his expertise but additionally collected a powerful seven home and worldwide trophies, together with aChampions League victory in 2014.
In 2015, he joined the ranks of Juventus, capturing 5 consecutive Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia titles. He additionally reached the UEFA Champions League remaining in 2017, earlier than hanging up his boots in 2021.
He had a profitable profession, profitable many trophies at each membership and worldwide stage, enjoying a vital function within the German nationwide group’s triumphant 2014 FIFA World Cup marketing campaign.
Throughout this illustrious profession, he performed alongside Ronaldo for a few years and crossed paths with Messi quite a few occasions on the pitch.
And when requested to decide on between the 2 soccer icons, Khedira didn’t hesitate.
He stated: “From my viewpoint, it’s Cristiano. It’s not a disrespect in opposition to Messi as a result of what he has achieved and continues to be doing, particularly within the U.S. is superb.
“However I do know Cristiano; I performed with him for seven years in Madrid and Juventus. I do know him personally fairly properly, so I am 100 per cent group Ronaldo, however with all due respect to Messi.”
Khedira’s admiration for Ronaldo is completely comprehensible, given their shared journey at Actual Madrid from 2010 to 2015.
They celebrated quite a few titles collectively, together with La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Honours
| League titles | Home Cups | Champions League | Main worldwide trophies | Ballons D’Or | |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 7 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Lionel Messi | 12 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 8 |
3
Ronaldo’s standing within the GOAT debate is stable, with 5 Ballon d’Ors to his identify.
He started his profession at Sporting CP, transferring to Manchester United in 2003, the place he made waves by profitable the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
In 2009, he joined Actual Madrid in a then-world-record switch, changing into their all-time prime scorer and claiming two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and 4 Champions League titles.
Ronaldo made a return to Previous Trafford in 2021 earlier than parting methods with the membership in 2022, finally becoming a member of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
On the worldwide stage, Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time main goalscorer and led them to victories within the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League.
He holds a plethora of information, together with probably the most official targets scored in soccer historical past. His unimaginable goalscoring and athleticism have actually made him a worldwide icon.
3
Ronaldo’s rival within the GOAT debate is Messi, who Khedira praised for his unimaginable time at Inter Miami.
Having devoted most of his profession to Barcelona, the place he collected an astonishing 35 trophies, together with ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and 4 Champions League titles, Messi additionally boasts quite a few membership information, together with most targets and appearances.
After departing Barcelona in 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, including two Ligue 1 titles to his spectacular resume.
Internationally, Messi captained Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory, lastly greedy that long-sought-after worldwide trophy. He stands as Argentina’s all-time main goalscorer.
With eight Ballon d’Or awards to his identify, a document in itself, Messi has additionally gathered quite a few particular person accolades.
Khedira was chatting with talkSPORT forward of the Membership World Cup within the USA, which kicks off on Sunday, June 15.