The former coach of the Spanish national soccer team, Vicente del Bosque, weighed in on the debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and named the latter the greatest player he has ever seen.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely considered to be two of the greatest footballers to have ever played this beautiful sport. They are also in the conversation about who is the GOAT (greatest of all time).
Many players and coaches, former and current, have weighed in on the debate that has been going on for several years. The debate is not over yet, although Lionel Messi’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina has reinforced his bid to become the greatest footballer of all time.
Vicente del Bosque, the legendary coach who won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and EURO 2012 with Spain, is one of the latest to intervene in the debate. The 72-year-old coach, who has also won La Liga and the Champions League among many others with Real Madrid as coach, has named Lionel Messi as the best player he has ever seen in his life.
Lionel Messi is the best player I have ever seen, says Vicente del Bosque
Speaking to Radio Marca, Vicente del Bosque praised Lionel Messi and also revealed that he did everything possible for the attacker to play for the Spanish soccer team.
“The best player I have ever seen is Messi. Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, I prefer Messi. Of all the players that I have known in so many years in football, for me Messi, due to his perseverance and the quality of his player, has been impressive. He has had fantastic seasons and has always led his team forward, ”said Vicente del Bosque. [via 90min].
The former Real Madrid and Spain coach added: “I tried everything to get Messi to play for Spain. However, Lionel refused because of the love he has for his country.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has been in impressive form in the current 22/23 season. He has been stellar for Paris Saint-Germain, who sit atop the points table in Ligue 1.
Lionel Messi was also impressive for Argentina as they lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. The 35-year-old scored seven goals for Argentina at Qatar 2022.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is currently a free agent after Manchester United terminated his contract by mutual consent in November this year. The Portuguese superstar has been without a club ever since.
