Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Chelsea legend Joe Cole puts an end to the GOAT debate

Former Chelsea player Joe Cole feels Lionel Messi has ended Goat debate by claiming FIFA World Cup for Argentina in 2022. Football supporters are often seen engaging in discussions and banter as both Lionel Messi and Cristia Ronaldo have enjoyed a lion's share of rivalry in football circuit. Messi left Spanish side FC Barcelona in summer of 2021 to join Paris Saint Germain while Ronaldo's contract was mutually terminated by Manchester United as he went on to sign for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr this year.

Joe Cole ended Goat debate as he named Lionel Messi over Cristia Ronaldo

Lionel Messi h won all possible trophies for both his club and country and only FIFA World Cup trophy h eluded him for a long time. Following Argentina's group st defeat against Saudi Arabia, it was supposed to be ar torrid affair for Latin American giants but 35-year-old led side from front as y tamed down France in World Cup final in an epic penalty shootout.

This was likely to be Cristia Ronaldo's last appearance on this big st and he failed to make it count as Portugal lost to minws Morocco in World Cup quarterfinal. Joe Cole insisted on BT Sport that World Cup heroics me Lionel Messi an automatic choice as Goat and only Brazilian legend Pele can be compared with him.

"re's always a debate. What he has put to bed is debate about this generation because he's won it all. 

'Earlier on in tournament he was struggling and re were question marks. But he carried m. I've never seen a player like him - I think he's greatest player of all time, only Pele has a case against him. I think he stands next to him - t Ronaldo or Marona, above m."

Messi's future has been up in air as re have been severe rumours regarding his potential return to his old thumping ground, FC Barcelona. forward is in last year of his PSG contract and it remains to be seen what his future holds in near future.