The GOAT debate between football aficionados for Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo is never settled. Not only the die-hard football fans but also the current and former players don’t shy away from giving their two cents on the hot topic of discussion.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice believes it is hard to pick one between these two legendary players as what they have done to football is out of this world. However, the 23-year-old English footballer picked the Argentine ahead of the Portuguese as he feels we might never see a player like Lionel Messi in the future of the game.

While speaking to Gary Neville on Overlap, Declan Rice said, “You know what, it is such a hard question because obviously what Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have done is a freak of nature, nobody will ever do that ever again. Messi, I just feel what he does with a football, he is just special, and I don’t think we will ever see a player like that ever again.”

On the other hand, Rick picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi when it comes to taking penalties in the big games. Ronaldo has a better conversion rate than Messi when it comes to scoring from the spot.

“Going to have to say, Ronaldo. 100 percent Ronaldo. The penalties he’s scored in big moments, UEFA Champions League finals, tournaments. I’d 100% put my money on CR7 for the big occasions.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo scored 24 goals for Manchester United across competitions in the 2021-22 season, out of which 18 came in the Premier League. CR7 was also named in the Premier League team of the season. On the other hand, Messi could only score 11 goals across all competitions while playing for PSG Saint-Germain.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup could be the last major event for both Messi and Ronaldo.