Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has weighed in on the long-standing debate over football’s greatest player, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder acknowledged both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as two of the best players ever but picked the former Barcelona star as his personal GOAT over the Portuguese talisman.
When asked why Messi solidified his spot as the greatest in Okocha’s eyes, he explained that the now-Inter Miami player’s natural talent set him apart from Ronaldo.
“They are both G.O.A.Ts, by the way. But my personal G.O.A.T is Messi because he looks more natural to me,” Okocha said on Pulse Fun Facts.
Messi, often regarded as the greatest player of all time, has broken numerous records, with his achievements at both club and international levels being unparalleled.
He boasts an astounding tally of over 800 career goals and has won nearly every accolade in the sport, including eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Messi’s incredible ability to combine sublime dribbling with clinical finishing helped him lead FC Barcelona to 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, and 7 Copa del Rey victories.
On the other hand, Jay Jay Okocha—while not stacking up as many trophies as Messi—carved out his legacy as one of the most skilful players of his generation.