USMNT star Weston McKennie has entered the Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo GOAT debate, with Juventus allegiances impacting his opinion.
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American played alongside CR7 in TurinImpressed by Portuguese superstarLiverpool midfielder was toughest foeWHAT HAPPENED?
The United States international joined the Bianconeri in 2020, meaning that he was on their books when five-time Ballon d’Or winner completed a stunning transfer to Turin 12 months later. McKennie savoured Serie A title glory alongside CR7 and saw enough from the Portuguese to suggest that he is the best of all-time.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT MCKENNIE SAID
McKennie has told when asked for his take on the long-running GOAT discussion: “We know Ronaldo and have seen him up close, so I would say Cristiano.” Juve team-mate Moise Kean added: “Yes, I also say Cristiano, but Messi is a different footballer. Messi has a natural talent that was given to him by God. Ronaldo did everything thanks to hard work. At three in the morning after a match he was doing cryotherapy. They told him, really? Go to sleep!”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
McKennie and Kean have also picked out their toughest opponents, having come up against some of the best in the business. Italy international forward Kean went with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as he is “tall, fast, strong” while McKennie said: “Thiago Alcantara – his first touch is incredible, maybe now it would be different because I have more experience and I have grown.”
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?
Juve have three Serie A games left to take in this season, starting with a home date against Salernitana. Meanwhile, Messi and Ronaldo are showing no sign of slowing down at Inter Miami and Al-Nassr respectively, as their remarkable skills sets illuminate MLS and the Saudi Pro League.