Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has already weighed in on the debate of Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi.
There has been a long-running argument over who is the better footballer, with numerous opinions having been shared. Indeed, a battle between the pair has been long-running with each of them having won 12 Ballon d’Or ’s combined - Messi claiming a record-breaking seven, whilst Ronaldo has five of his own.
Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger has previously weighed in by suggesting that both players are completely different - but he has a slight preference for the current Paris Saint-Germain superstar ahead of his Manchester United rival.
Speaking to SoFoot in 2020, the Frenchman said: "I often say that Cristiano Ronaldo is the athlete-footballer, and Lionel Messi, the exceptional artist, this is the difference between the two.
“Afterwards, everyone prefers one or the other. When we like the game, we prefer the artist. The creative makes you discover things that you do not see, that you have not even considered from the stands.
"It's [creative style] finer, even if I don't deny the quality of the Portuguese star. I just believe that football has evolved into the Ronaldo style. This does not mean that we should eliminate the creative. The rules must evolve to make the game more spectacular, more beautiful to see."
Who do you think is better, Ronaldo or Messi? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Whilst there is a debate over which footballer is best, it is quite clear who is having the better 2022/23 season. Messi is currently enjoying a stellar campaign in the French capital.
He has 11 goals and 12 assists to his name in all competitions so far this season - a marked improvement on the underwhelming first campaign that he had at the Parc des Princes having sealed a free transfer move from Barcelona. His drop-off was so dramatic that it saw him finish the campaign without a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is currently enduring a miserable campaign with Manchester United having attempted to force a move away from the club in the summer only to see his efforts fail.
Since then, the 37-year-old has netted two goals in all competitions and was involved in an unsavoury incident during the Red Devils’ victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He was spotted storming down the Old Trafford tunnel before the full-time whistle having refused to come on as a substitute.
Erik ten Hag elected to drop him from the squad for the clash with Chelsea but he is set to be included in the upcoming Europa League showdown with Sheriff Tiraspol.
