NBA legend Chris Paul has named Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo as the better player ahead of Argentina skipper Lionel Messi in the long-running debate over football’s greatest player.
Paul made the choice following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was won by Spain after defeating Argentina in the final.
Ronaldo captained Portugal to the Round of 16 before they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.
Messi, meanwhile, inspired Argentina to the World Cup final but was unable to prevent his side from suffering a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.
Asked to choose between the two football icons, Paul admitted it was a difficult decision but ultimately backed Ronaldo.
“That is tough because Messi, man. I’d probably have to say Ronaldo,” Paul said, according to HITC.
“Man, I ain’t as dialled in. I have an appreciation for both. When I see Messi play, some of the goals, the passion, but that’s (Ronaldo) more so who I followed.”
Ronaldo and Messi are widely regarded as two of the greatest footballers in history, having dominated the sport for more than a decade.
Between them, the two superstars have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards, cementing their place among football’s all-time greats.
