Marcus Rashford Put on the Spot as He Dodges the Ultimate Messi vs. Ronaldo GOAT Debate
Marcus Rashford confessed that choosing between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the debate over football's greatest player was "challenging"—so challenging, in fact, that he declined to reach a final decision.
As a Barcelona player who developed through Manchester United's youth system while idolizing and later playing with Ronaldo, Rashford finds himself caught between both camps of this eternal argument.
The England striker was asked by ESPN to identify the greatest player ever, and positioned himself squarely in the middle. "I believe it's both Messi and Ronaldo," Rashford responded with a hesitant grin appearing on his face. "It's challenging."
During a rapid-fire questioning session before reaching that indecisive answer, Rashford complimented both superstars. Ronaldo received recognition as the "greatest finisher ever" while Messi was labeled the "finest playmaker."
Rashford had no hesitation naming Messi as "the best La Liga player in history," but when the scope expanded beyond Spain's premier division, he wouldn't dismiss Ronaldo's claims.
Rashford has consistently praised the Portuguese superstar as his role model. "When Cristiano Ronaldo joined United, he became the player everyone admired," the lifelong Red Devils supporter shared after establishing himself in the senior squad.
"What struck me most was how young he was when he entered the team, yet he aspired to be the top player. He trained relentlessly every day, you'd see him in the fitness center daily, and his performances on the field reflected that effort. He openly declared his ambition to become the world's best player.
"That's the mentality you must adopt—every elite player possesses it. It's not about ego or conceit, it's the mental approach required to accomplish greatness."
The Pressure Barcelona Inflict on Players in the GOAT Debate
While there's no indication that Barcelona's media team was hovering threateningly during Rashford's interview, former Blaugrana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng suggests the club applies clear pressure on this topic.
The candid former playmaker revealed on Rio Ferdinand's podcast in 2023: "I recall when I joined Barcelona, they instantly questioned me about who the world's best player was. I was forced to say Lionel Messi—I fabricated the truth. It ranks among the most significant falsehoods I've ever told.
"Typically I'm always honest, but I deceived them because it was the sole method to don the Barcelona jersey. I've always been a Real Madrid fan since my youth. I adore Cristiano Ronaldo. However, they informed me I must say that, or I wouldn't get playing time."