Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has shared his thoughts on the long-standing debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccernet.football reports.
In a YouTube livestream with popular American streamer IShowSpeed, Pogba opened up about his preference for the Argentine playmaker over the Portuguese superstar.
Pogba, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United and has faced Messi on multiple occasions, found himself in the middle of a playful exchange with IShowSpeed, a known Ronaldo enthusiast.
The live stream attracted up to 200,000 viewers, as Pogba and Speed reacted to memes, played games like EA SPORTS FC 25, and answered audience questions.
When Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., asked the classic question — Ronaldo or Messi — Pogba offered a thoughtful response.
“If I need to score goals, only score goals, Cristiano,” Pogba said as per Infobae. “But if I need a playmaker and someone who scores goals, Messi every day.”
Pogba went on to emphasise Messi’s unique abilities, saying, “Have you seen what Messi does? He’s different. He’s so short, you think you can push him easily… How can such a small person do all that to his rivals?”
Speed responded by defending Ronaldo, highlighting his powerful free kicks from over 40 yards. Pogba, however, quickly countered: “No, but [Messi’s] not that kind of player. He doesn’t need that, but he can take other kinds of free kicks.”
Pogba’s remarks come during a turbulent time in his own career.
Currently serving an 18-month suspension for a doping violation, the French World Cup-winning midfielder faces an uncertain future at Juventus.
The Italian club’s board has opted not to renew his contract, which expires in March. Although Pogba originally faced a four-year ban, his sentence was reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning he could return to professional football next spring.