Haaland, Van Dijk, Other Stars Pick Champions League GOAT Between Ronaldo and Messi

• Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are no longer playing in the Champions League, but they left plenty of memories
• The two icons dominated the competition with incredible goals and clutch performances for years
• Several players were asked to pick what comes to mind when they think about the competitions, and the responses were telling

The 2024/25 Champions League has delivered some epic matches in the first few weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi thrived in the competition but left Europe as they edge towards retirement.

Several players, including Erling Haaland and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, were asked what comes to mind when they think about the competition.

Ronaldo and Messi are the top two in both goals and assists in the competition. The Al-Nassr star is the leading scorer with 140 goals, while the Inter Miami star is second with 129.

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Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles, while Messi has four. The two have battled for more than a decade and are now considered among the greats.

Haaland and Co's Champions League GOAT

Champions League asked Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Florian Wirtz, and others what comes to mind when they think about the competition.

All of them said Ronaldo. The Portugal legend has some of the best moments in the competition, like his goal against Juventus in 2018.

Messi's last Champions League trophy came in 2015, while Ronaldo last won it in 2018. The Barcelona legend is fondly remembered for dropping Jerome Boateng in 2015 and his performance in the 2009 and 2011 finals, per Sports Illustrated.

Buffon comments on GOAT debate

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In another report, Briefly News reported that legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his pick in the GOAT debate.

The World Cup winner said both players are different, adding that Messi is complete while Ronaldo has the killer instinct.

Buffon’s analysis underscored Messi’s extraordinary adaptability, noting his capacity to thrive in multiple positions on the field. Known for his outstanding dribbling, accurate passing, and playmaking abilities, Messi has consistently operated as both a playmaker and a scorer, seamlessly shifting between midfield and forward roles. His influence on the game extends well beyond merely netting goals.

Source: TUKO.co.ke