Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng settles GOAT debate in Messiâ??s favour

Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has firmly placed Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, basing his stance on personal experience and style of play as he shared his thoughts on football’s long-standing Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate.

Boateng, who faced both players during his spells in La Liga with Getafe and Eibar, shared his views during an interview on Sporty FM, offering a balanced but decisive assessment of the two modern greats.

“For me, I think they are different types of players,” Boateng said. “Ronaldo has everything: the physique, the height, the body, the pace, and the power. But then you have Messi.”

The former Black Stars midfielder explained that Messi’s influence on the pitch often becomes clear only when the ball reaches his feet.

“Even when you are standing on the field with him, you don’t respect him at first, but when he touches the ball, you will respect him,” he added. “He is different. Sometimes I feel he is not a human being with the way he plays.”

Boateng also highlighted the contrast in how both players approach matches. “When things are not going in Ronaldo’s favour, he tries to force the game to come to him. Messi waits for the game to come to him, and when it does, he decides it.”

While acknowledging Ronaldo’s achievements and winning mentality, Boateng was clear about his personal preference. “Both are top players, no doubt. But when you ask me personally, I will always pick Messi in my team.”

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