Messi or Ronaldo: When Chelsea star Cole Palmer settled football’s GOAT debate

The duo have dominated football for about 15 years and can boldly lay claim to being the greatest rivals of all time, for the manner in which they competed against each other.

For many football fans, the GOAT debate ended when Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but there is always a place for differing opinions from those who disagree.

Per Goal, the Argentina captain is also the most decorated footballer after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup with Major League Soccer franchise, Inter Miami, which he joined in July last year.

When Palmer settled the GOAT debate

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s heavy recruitment since Todd Boehly took over the club had them sign Manchester City academy graduate, Cole Palmer, for £42.5 million – a move proving to be a bargain.

The 21-year-old, while speaking previously on Sky Sports Word Association, was asked to write on the whiteboard who he thinks the GOAT is and offered an explanation as to the choice he had made.

“The obvious one, Messi. Because of the way he plays and everything he’s won, all the individual awards he has won. Just the best player ever… Messi is clear for me,” Palmer said.

Palmer’s most recent success was his hat-trick to rescue all three points for the Blues in their Premier League clash against Manchester United on April 4.

Despite struggling for consistent results, Mauricio Pochettino’s charges have mustered some impressive wins although they remain 10th on the EPL standings.