- With Messi and Ronaldo now competing outside the major European leagues, their dominance in the UEFA Champions League considered the pinnacle of football, has ended.
The football world has been captivated by the ongoing debate surrounding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the greatest strikers in history.
Messi, aged 36, has recently secured his eighth Ballon d'Or award, while the 38-year-old Ronaldo has claimed the prestigious accolade five times throughout his illustrious career.
Messi's brilliance lies in his prolific goal-scoring and creative playmaking abilities. He holds the record for the most goals in La Liga, having netted an incredible 474 goals.
Additionally, he boasts the most hat-tricks in the league's history, with 36 to his name. His exploits in the UEFA Champions League are equally impressive, as he has scored eight goals and clinched the title on multiple occasions.
Messi succeeded by winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, scoring seven goals in 7 matches.
Read More
After leaving FC Barcelona, he briefly played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami CF in the MLS, where he helped the team secure their first league cup trophy.
Conversely, Ronaldo has amassed an astonishing collection of 34 trophies, including seven league titles and five UEFA Champions League triumphs.
He holds the record for the most appearances in the Champions League, having featured in 183 matches.
Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess extends to the international stage, where he has scored 127 goals in 207 appearances for Portugal, making him the all-time leading goal-scorer with 850 goals.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has played for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and currently plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.
With Messi and Ronaldo now competing outside the major European leagues, their dominance in the UEFA Champions League considered the pinnacle of football, has ended.
This has sparked discussions about the emergence of a new generation of young talents who may vie for the title of the best striker.
Players such as Jamal Musiala, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder and winger for Bayern Munich and the German national team, have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike with their incredible dribbling skills and goal-scoring prowess.
Jude Bellingham, who recently switched from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, has showcased versatility in midfield and excelled in a false nine role, scoring ten goals in 11 matches and making a mark in the UEFA Champions League.
Another player to watch is Erling Haaland, who made a stunning impact at Manchester City, scoring 36 goals in 35 matches and winning the Gerd Muller award as the best striker of the year.
The conversation surrounding the best striker cannot be complete without considering the achievements of Kylian Mbappe. The 24-year-old forward, who helped France win the 2018 World Cup, has been a formidable force for Paris Saint-Germain, tallying 148 goals in 168 appearances.
Alongside Mbappe, other young talents possess immense potential and may shape the future of football.
The advent of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and goal-line technology has significantly changed the game. However, these technological advancements have not affected considerably Messi and Ronaldo, having mostly exited the competitive landscape.
The debate surrounding the greatest of all time now extends beyond goal-scoring prowess to encompass other factors, such as dribbling skills and adaptability to new systems and tactics.
As the footballing landscape continues to evolve, young talents like Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old prodigy, showcase the immense talent in the sport's future.
The definition of football greatness is ever-evolving, and the conversation surrounding the GOAT title remains captivating, ensuring that the excitement and speculation around the best striker will persist for years to come.
