Phil Jones Breaks Silence: Who Really Deserves The GOAT Crown – Ronaldo or Messi

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has entered the debate over football’s greatest of all time, tipping Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Having shared a dressing room with Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford and faced Messi in UEFA Champions League clashes with Barcelona, Jones has a unique perspective on both legends.

Asked to choose between the two, the former England international admitted it was a tough call but ultimately sided with Ronaldo.

“Picking between Ronaldo and Messi is like choosing between your mum and your dad. I will go with Cristiano,” Jones told ESPN UK.

Ronaldo and Messi are widely regarded as defining players of their generation, together claiming 13 Ballon d’Or awards and rewriting football records across Europe and beyond. Their rivalry has driven the sport to new heights, pushing each other to unprecedented levels of consistency, brilliance, and ambition.

For Jones, the debate isn’t just about stats or trophies—it’s about contrasting styles and personalities that have shaped modern football. While he acknowledges both players’ greatness, his allegiance leans toward his former teammate.

Beyond the GOAT discussion, Jones shared his picks for football’s all-time best in other positions: Robin van Persie as the finest finisher, Paul Scholes as the ultimate playmaker, Sergio Ramos as the top defender, Gianluigi Buffon as the greatest goalkeeper, Ryan Giggs as the most lethal winger, and Zinedine Zidane for the best ball-striking ability.

The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry continues to be defined by staggering numbers. Ronaldo has scored 961 official career goals for club and country, while Messi has 896, making them the two highest scorers in professional football history. Ronaldo has netted over 100 goals for four clubs—including his current team, Al Nassr—and has surpassed the century mark for Portugal. Messi, meanwhile, amassed over 650 goals for Barcelona across 17 seasons and continues to shine for Argentina.

Both remain active at the top level. Ronaldo has started 2026 with 18 goals for Al Nassr, though reports suggest tensions with the club could prompt a move. Messi, meanwhile, is gearing up for the new MLS season with Inter Miami, set to defend their league title starting February 21 against LAFC.