Lionel Messi sparks controversy with ‘GOAT debate settled’ comments

Sep 3, 2026 - 12:30

Just days after announcing his retirement from international soccer, former Argentina captain and World Cup-winning legend Lionel Messi has sparked a fresh debate. Weeks after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi announced on social media his departure from international soccer.

Now, in partnership with Michelob ULTRA, Messi shared a post on social media, highlighting his career achievements. A new Michelob ULTRA advertisement uses a bar receipt to showcase the 39-year-old legend’s resume with the Argentina national team.

The bar receipt presents Messi’s international career in what could be seen as a bar receipt, with his goals, assists, minutes played, and major honours listed as entries. However, while his fans and rivals celebrated the entire ad campaign, they were mostly triggered by what was seen as bragging by Messi. The campaign specifically focuses on his one FIFA World Cup win before zooming onto the words, “GOAT debate settled.”

While no names were taken, fans believe both of these were direct shots toward Messi’s career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Both Ronaldo and Messi have often been discussed as two of the greatest players in modern-era soccer. However, Messi has one World Cup trophy, while Ronaldo has none.

This sparked a debate on the internet, where two sides were created. While one defended Messi, the other called it bragging and insulting to Ronaldo. “Michelob ULTRA created a tribute video for Messi, who is the brand’s ambassador, and shared the video. Nothing wrong in it,” wrote one fan. While another commented, “Ronaldo will be known as the only 1000 goal scorer.” Another fan also joined in and wrote, “And people called him humble.”

Despite their different play styles and separate achievements, it will be hard to argue that both Ronaldo and Messi will be leaving behind a glorious soccer legacy, which might be very hard for coming generations to match.